I know so many of you have had trouble and frustrations applying for and recieving Social Security disability insurance and I posted this before, but thought maybe this may help someone who is finding them in the situation that they are going to apply. Last summer I needed to apply and researched all the boards I could find and the internet for suggestions for the best possible outcome with the least amount of frustration. On The arthritis.org/RAconnect board someone had posted that they had applied online and had good results, so that is how I decided to proceed. Here is how it went:
I started the application process online at SSA.gov (i think that is it?) in June, it took me until August to finish all the forms LOL!!!!! I could only work on it a little at a time it was very overwhelming.
After I submitted the local office telephoned me and talked to me and I answered their questions. They then sent me out forms to sign for authorizations for my medical and I think former employer info. They also sent me out forms to fill out that I had already filled out online. So I called them and they said to disregard.
Within 2 weeks they had set me up for an examination by a doctor
I went to that , the Doctor was excellent!!! She told me that I would hear something within 2 weeks.
Within 1 week I had money deposited in my bank account from them. When I had applied online there is a section to set yourself up for direct deposit. I recieved payment before I even recieved a letter of approval with the amount. I am not complaining at ALL!!!
The best thing about the online application was I could check on the status of my application and see exactly what part of the process it was in.
I really don't know if this is a better way or not, but it was great for me, but from all my research I did find out that every state has different approval rates, so mine might be better than most. Also I was 49 at the time so that might of helped, I have heard 50 is the magical age. Maybe this will help someone.
Karen
I think the main issue surrounding approval is the state where you live. It shouldn't be that way, but it is. And there are many reasons for that. Each state has different demographics, different economic conditions, and administrations that have varied capabilities for handling social programs. Poorly managed offices and government beaurocracy bog down the system, or eliminate people who should receive assistance as easily as you did. That is the unfortunate reality of this situation.
Maybe by filing online, they can't bog it down because it is all well documented and you can follow the progress of your app online. Just a thought.Mmmm. We applied online, and it was actually WORSE than doing it in the office. It seemed that everything we did online was "lost"