In 1997, the RMMSC established the Social Security Disability Law Program under the leadership of Thomas Stewart. Stewart is an attorney and physician assistant, and as Director of RMMSC’s Legal Clinic, he brings a unique set of skills and experience to the job. The Rocky Mountain MS Center offers the Disability Assessment Law Program to those who would like to learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or who are applying for benefits.
Disability is a scary topic, but nevertheless an important one. It’s important not only for people with MS, but for everyone because unforeseeable accidents and other diseases may occur. The consequences of unemployment related to disability are numerous, and may include loss of income, lack of health care benefits, loss of professional identity, social isolation, and increased focus on pain and impairments.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can be just as daunting as facing disability itself. A tremendous amount of first-time claims are denied, for a whole host of reasons. Navigating the SSDI system with the help of an experienced partner can ensure you’re able to secure the benefits you need. — Kerri Cechovic, RMMSC Senior Director of Programs
“This is a critical program for people living with MS and we’ve heard from countless people who have benefited from the services Tom has provided over the past two decades,” says Kerri Cechovic, Senior Director of Programs.
The sentiment expressed by these individuals is reflected in the following recent note we received from a client: “This program is invaluable to persons with MS who find themselves unable to work due to increasing disability. I didn’t know where to begin on the road to filing for Social Security Disability. I felt confident that I was in good hands and that we could work through this maze together. I cannot say enough good things about how patient and kind all of the staff have been and how with their help, I was able to complete my application and follow it through to a successful outcome.”
