Anyone out there on SSDI? My doctor has been recommending for months now and I am finally realizing there is no way I can return to work right now. My RA is nowhere near in control yet. I spoke with the social worker at the doctor's office and she told me it can take up to 6 months to get approved. Is that accurate? I'm interested in hearing about how long it takes, will they accept me, general experiences, etc. Also, any tips on how to get it pushed through quickly? I'm not sure I can afford to live for up to 6 months with no income :(
I really feel for you situation amcintyre. I have no experience with it but can understand your fears. I have heard it's difficult to get approved.
I'll try to remember who here's applied. I know there's been several. Hang in there.
Best of Luck;
Lovie
Hi amcintyre:
After I applied for SSDI, if I can remember correctly, it took me about 9 mos. and 2 tries. You won't get it the first time you apply. I don't know why that is (one of those governmental things I guess) but I finally got it after the 2nd try. I wasn't any worse off or any more disabled the second time. Some people choose lawyers to try to push it through faster for them but I've found that they are filling out the same paperwork I did so why give them a chunk of MY disability for something I can do myself. Anyway, when I finally got it, I recieved back pay retroactive from the time I became disabled so that was about a year and a half. So no matter how many times you get turned down, keep trying, if you truly are disabled, you will get it.
Good Luck,
Allen
I am on SSDI.
Unlike many people I was approved the first time I applied. I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and CHF in June, applied in august and recieved my first check in january.
They will not approve you until six months have passed no matter what. I didn't get a lawyer, but would reccomend it.
I was reviewed this summer. I have not improved cardiac-wise and now am very disabled by RA and COPD. If you are approved you are reviewed in 3 years.
Well, I'll add my 2 cents. I agree with Allen's comments on attorneys. But I was approved the first try and received my award letter within 2 months of my telephone application. You don't get your first check for 6 months of your official date you were disabled. Mine was date of dx. It says 5 months waiting period, but it takes another month to get funds. When you receive your award letter, your medical review time will be notated. It varies, depending upon your disability and prognosis. Mine is every 5-7 years. Some can be as little as a year (or 6 months, I can't recall at the moment). The SS website link Allen posted is extremely informative and easy to search. I would recommend anyone planning to apply to read as much as possible before you apply and ask other recepients what they would not do, if they could do it over again.
I am certain the reason I was approved is due to the severe joint damage in my hands and knees. In a wheelchair and I live in a foster care home (assisted living) as I can not do much with these hands. I applied for SSD Sept 2003 . I got the first denial March 2004,second denial Aug 2004. Applied for a hearing date with a lawyer in Sept 2004. I'm still waiting to go before an administrative judge. Good information on this site: http://arthritis.about.com/cs/disability/a/ssdi_2.htm The specific list of severe impairments used by the Social Security Administration to decide disability cases from Social Security disability determination (The Blue Book). Susan Barb
process in november of 2003, 2 denials later i FINALLY have my hearing in
about a month.
My only advice to you is STICK IT OUT!! i firmly believe they make this
process as difficult and frustrating as possible to weed out those who may
feel like it is just not worth the aggrevation...believe me i wanted to give up
after all the paperwork they make you fill out.
BUt believe in yourself...believe you have the RIGHT to SSDI and go for it!
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Lisa
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