I was having a chat recently with a friend with multiple sclerosis (MS). We first met when I chartered him as a consultant, then we became colleagues, then friends — and then friends with multiple sclerosis.
I’m sometimes surprised at how many times that’s happened, but I suppose I shouldn’t be by now.
The prevalence of MS is increasing and has been over the past three decades, according to the Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health.
That’s not necessarily to say that the incidence — or the true rate of new cases — is increasing. It’s possible that more cases of MS are being found due to better diagnostic tools and education of primary care providers in identifying symptoms as potential MS.
Regardless, with more MS diagnoses being made, coupled with the fact that many people know me (or know of me) as an MS advocate, it’s not surprising that I get a fair number of calls from individuals coping with some aspect of their MS.
As usual, I digress …
Applying for Disability Assistance
The reason for this recent call was to talk about different levels of financial disability assistance that might be available. More than five years have passed since my friend’s diagnosis, and he is finding his window of full-time employment closing on him due to symptoms of the disease.
Many of us have been there.
The process of applying for disability assistance is not the easiest of paths. I understand that there should be safeguards against fraud and misuse or abuse of systems and payments but, let’s face it, someone with a disability in real need of programs designed to help them shouldn’t be made to suffer indignities to claim what was set out for just such circumstances.
Different Systems in Different Countries
Not everyone who reads my writings lives in the same country, and benefit schemes are quite different from one place to the other. (Simply the word “scheme” is seen as a bad thing in some countries, so you can substitute the word “program” if you find “scheme” off-putting.)
A quick search gave me plenty of information on U.S. programs via the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). The society differentiates between private and public disability programs, which is very helpful. The NMSS also provides a page on finding legal resources if you need legal assistance in your pursuit of disability benefits.
In Ireland and in the United Kingdom, citizens’ information sites offer a good deal of help in finding what’s available and what benefits one might qualify for.
Similarly, there’s a site specifically dedicated to the Canada Disability Benefit, explaining who is eligible for benefits and how to apply for them.
Note that some countries have partial disability help, so you can continue to work part-time, with programs to supplement a bit of the lost income.
The Importance of Having MS Peers
What this call (and so many others not dissimilar to it) showed me is the importance of having someone with whom to talk about MS issues. I’ve called it the “MS Buddy” — someone who has traveled the road we now tread and has picked up helpful knowledge and hacks that can be of use to us.
In this case, it was disability benefits. Sometimes it’s assistive devices. Sometimes personal care needs. Sometimes it’s just a chat with someone who’s been where we are now, so we needn’t go into every detail.
One key to accessing financial assistance is having all of the supporting information you’ll require in hand before you begin the process. It can take a fair bit of time to collect and sort through all the paperwork you’ll need to apply for help.
But remember that there are people who have done it before, and if they don’t have the answer to your questions, they probably at least have an idea where to find the information you’re seeking.
Wishing you and your family the best of health.
Cheers,
Trevis