Those who have survived a stroke can attest to how scary it can be to experience such a life-changing health crisis. Depending on the severity of the stroke, some people are left unable to work following their injury. In addition to working on health recovery, these individuals also must worry about their financial well-being.
The state of Ohio has several resources for those who are impacted by a stroke. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that unexpected health events sometimes prohibit individuals from returning to work. For this reason, they created the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program to assist those who have experienced a medical crisis, such as a stroke.
Neurologists in Ohio
Individuals who have suffered a stroke quickly become acquainted with a neurologist. Neurologists are medical doctors that specialize in injuries of the brain, spine, and the many nerves of the body. Most stroke survivors work with a neurologist for months to years following their injury.
Establishing a good working relationship with your neurologist is essential if you are seeking a disability award. The SSA puts more weight on the opinion of a specialist, such as a neurologist, than that of a general practitioner doctor. Your neurologist should regularly submit medical documentation to support your claim. Information that should be provided includes information about your speech and communication, your ability to move your arms and feet, your gait and balance, as well as your mental functioning.
There are many excellent neurologists in Ohio. If you are not already working with a neurologist, here are three well-regarded practices in the state:
Mount Carmel Neurology
6150 E. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43213
(614) 886-3703
mcmg.mountcarmelhealth.com/locations/neurology/mount-carmel-neurology
Cleveland Clinic Cerebrovascular Center
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
(216) 444-2200
my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/neurological/depts/cerebrovascular
University of Cincinnati Neurology
Stetson Building
260 Stetson Street, Suite 2300
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0525
(513) 475-8730
med.uc.edu/neuro
Stroke Support Groups in Ohio
Despite family and community support, stroke survivors still might feel misunderstood, confused, and out of place following their injury. Those who have experienced a stroke often find comfort in joining a stroke support group.
Stroke support groups can be an invaluable resource, helping survivors to connect and share the varied emotions that often come with having a stroke. Recent studies have found that feeling connected to others helps to combat depression and isolation, which commonly follow a stroke. While there are many stroke support groups to choose from in Ohio, here are three that we recommend:
The Stroke Survivors' Club of Central Ohio
Meets Every 2nd Friday 10:00 am – 11:30 am
3535 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 788-6115
Cleveland Stroke Club
Meets Every Other Wednesday 6:30 pm
3266 East Scarborough Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 932-0552
The Christ Hospital Stroke & Wellness Support Grp
Meeting Times Vary – Call to get on group list
2139 Auburn Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45219
(513) 585-2573
Applying for Social Security Disability for Stroke in Ohio
If you have suffered a stroke and are no longer able to work as a result of your injury, you might qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Like all conditions listed by the SSA, the effects of your stroke must last, or be expected to continue, for at least one year following your cerebrovascular accident.
The long-term effects of a stroke are not immediately known after an injury. While there may be permanent damage to some, other individuals may begin to regain strength and recover. Therefore, the SSA will not consider stroke applications until at least three months have passed from the date of the injury. This gives the SSA enough time to determine which side-effects are long-lasting.
So long as it has been three months since your stroke occurred, you can apply for SSDI benefits. Your neurologist will need to confirm that your medical limitations are expected to last for at least one year. You can easily apply for disability benefits online. Alternatively, you may visit any one of Ohio’s 56 Social Security offices, such as the ones listed below.
Columbus Social Security Office 43213
220 S Hamilton Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43213
(866) 592-0733
Cleveland Social Security Office 44102
517 Lorain Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44102
(800) 772-1213
Cincinnati Social Security Office 45202
550 Main St Room 2000
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(800) 772-1213
Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Ohio Help with My Stroke Claim?
Approximately 5.5% of the population in Ohio receives disability benefits from the SSA. For those individuals who have earned a disability award, the road was likely not easy. Applying for Social Security benefits can be confusing, even for the most educated.
An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complicated paperwork that accompanies the application process. Using the medical evidence available, a disability lawyer will be able to present the best possible case to the SSA, thus improving your chances for a quick approval.
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