I am taking this opportunity to encourage anyone who has had difficulty obtaining Social Security disability benefits to write to Sen. Susan Collins and demand a reconfiguration of the application process.

I am 52 and was diagnosed with damage to my cerebellum in July 2013 as a result of a genetic disorder. This condition has rendered me disabled. I applied for benefits Aug. 9, 2013.

To date, I have received more than 10 letters from the disability office but have not been awarded any monetary compensation. Some of these letters have been duplicated, lacked adequate directions and contained terms that were not properly described.

I have complied with every request, completed the necessary paperwork and obtained medical testing records from my primary care physician, neurologist, physical therapist and occupational therapist.

I recognize that a significant amount of fraudulent cases are filed, which increases the workload for the caseworkers. However, I believe that a time frame needs to be placed on each case. It is unfair for those who are truly deserving of the benefit to be expected to wait eight months or longer without any income.

I have been working steadily since I was 14 years old and would love to be a part of the workforce again. I do not like asking for help, but sometimes one is left with no alternative.

Anyone who is, or knows, someone who is experiencing difficulty with obtaining Social Security benefits should write to:

Sen. Susan Collins

160 Main St., Suite 103

Biddeford, ME 04005

Maureen Killay

Sanford

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