ask: financial assistance for fibromyalgia people in canada

Hi Bonniemay-

I'm sorry you are struggling with this. I have been there and it is frustrating to be sick and trying to find a way to support yourself. I know quite a bit about Social Security disability in the U.S., but not much about the Canadian system.

In the U.S., you discuss with your treating physician whether or not you qualify for disability, and whether or not he/she will support you in your application. You have to prove that you are truly disabled and that you cannot perform at any job, not just the job that you currently have. In addition, SS wants to know that the disability will be permanent. In your case, there is no cure for fibro, so that would be considered permanent but you have to prove you cannot work.

Sometimes paperwork from you and your doctor is enough to qualify you. Sometimes an independent exam is ordered before a decision can be made. This exam is done by a physician of SS's choosing. If you are still denied, you can appeal. This is often where people get a lawyer involved. A common myth is that no one is approved on the first application. That is no longer the case. The problem is that when you are sick and disabled the paperwork is overwhelming and many people are just not able to supply proper documentation, or their doctor does not supply it. I am going through the U.S. system because it will help others and I'm guessing you might have to jump through similar hoops in Canada.

The entire process is frustrating and can be quite depressing. You have to focus on everything you cannot do, and it is a bit humiliating if you are a person who has always been self-supporting. I have been through it myself. It was pretty disheartening, but I got approval within three months on the first try. So it does work the way it should sometimes.

I did a little research and came up with this site: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/cpp/disaben.shtml. I am not sure if this is the information you are looking for, but it may at least be a starting point. I would discuss this further with your treating physician. He/she should know how to apply for long-term or permanent disability, as filling out the forms is part of the physician's job.

Good luck to you and if you could keep us posted as to the process in Canada, I think it would help others looking for the same information.