Allsup Highlights Resources, SSDI Help as More Research Links Isolation, Stress and Disability

Belleville, IL (PRWEB) April 03, 2013

It won’t surprise someone battling a long-term serious chronic illness or disability, but recent studies confirm the health impacts of isolation and stress. The studies highlight the value of supportive resources, according to Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation.

“Anxiety, loneliness and depression can strongly affect a person’s physical and emotional state, and more researchers are showing the impact for those with chronic illnesses,” said Tricia Blazier, personal financial planning manager for Allsup.

Recent studies include those by researchers at Ohio State University College of Medicine (“Loneliness predicts pain, depression, and fatigue: Understanding the role of immune dysregulation”) and the University of California-San Francisco (“Loneliness in Older Persons: A Predictor of Functional Decline and Death”). They indicate that loneliness has an impact on people’s functional abilities, especially for older adults, and weakens their immune systems, among other effects.

“Many people may not know how or who to ask for help, but it’s important to seek out support from organizations like Allsup and groups that we work with,” Blazier said.

Resources include the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Lupus Foundation of America, Invisible Disabilities Association, United Spinal Association and the Caregiver Action Network. “Many nonprofit groups have volunteers and peer groups to connect you to resources and people who have your condition, and live in your area,” Blazier explained.

It can be a difficult transition for those who recently experienced a severe disability, such as an injury or quickly worsening illness, Blazier said. It’s hard to go from working, with a built-in social network and feelings of competency and productivity, to a more home-based life centered around medical concerns.

Many people have additional stress with financial worries and the process of seeking Social Security Disability Insurance can be lengthy and complicated. More than two-thirds of applicants are denied SSDI benefits, and the process of seeking a disability appeal can be stressful. A survey of customers who received their Social Security benefits with Allsup’s help found that 75 percent experienced extreme or significant stress during the SSDI process.

Social Security Disability Insurance is a federally mandated insurance program overseen by the Social Security Administration. To qualify for SSDI, individuals must have a severe disability expected to last for more than 12 months or is terminal. Individuals must have paid FICA payroll taxes to be eligible and, typically, must have worked five out of the last 10 years. Find more information on Allsup.com.

Allsup offers a variety of resources, including Allsup Place, a free online community for visitors and customers. One customized tool is the “Locate Resources” option. Users have access to hundreds of resources for their needs, including community agencies and government websites based on the state they live in and their condition.

“It’s important to seek supportive relationships in the wake of a severe disability,” Blazier added. “Along with serving as an expert SSDI representative, Allsup professionals understand and help many of our customers to locate important resources.”

To determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, call the Allsup Disability Evaluation Center at 800-678-3276 for a free SSDI eligibility evaluation.

ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Founded in 1984, Allsup employs more than 800 professionals who deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. The company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. Visit http://www.Allsup.com or connect with Allsup at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.

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