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First, what is Social Security’s definition of disability? Severe mental or physical impairment that is medically verifiable and has lasted or expected to last 12 consecutive months, or result in death. Also, the claimant is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity.
THERE ARE TWO PROGRAMS THAT SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTERS
SSI or Supplemental Security Income
a welfare type program, where you never had to work or pay into it and is available to assist people with very limited income or… read more
Answer Summary
Members shared their often-grueling experiences navigating the Social Security disability approval process, with many facing multiple denials... Read more
For everyone that have been told no on ssi.please dont give up !! I was told no 4 times it takes years but its worth it you will get paid from the min you walked into the ssi office so please keep trying they will tell you no the first time 2 time
So true @A MyLupusTeam Member The same thing happened to me. I waited until I had to be carried out of work by an ambulance! It’s a long drawn out process so prepare for it financially if you can. Also I recommend getting an attorney.
Hiring an attorney can greatly increases your chance of approval. They complete all paperwork for you, request & obtain medical records, prepare you to testify before the judge and attend the hearing and represent you in front of the Administrative Law Judge.
Hire an attorney by Contingency. They are paid only if you receive benefits which is usually a fee set at 25% or $6000 whichever is less. This fee is set by SSA.
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR DISABILITY?
You can apply for SSDI at your local Social Security office, Apply on line at SSA.GOV or call to arrange a phone appointment at
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I currently receive Social Security Disability, and it took me nearly 5 years of fighting for it (after filing in 2012)before I finally got it! I had to actually take my case to Civil Court, and I won last August!
I was denied on my first request. Even though NO doctor would give me a back to work letter. Even though I was hospitalized 10 times in 20 months, averaging 9 days each hospitalization. Even though I spent 17 months completely bedridden. If I stood up my blood pressure dropped to as low as 40/20, which was documented during a 9 day hospitalization. I could go on and on. I hired a lawyer and applied again and went before a judge and was again denied. I applied again and this time I called at least once a week and spoke with the nurse in charge of handling my case . Each time we spoke I requested the nurse to speak to the doctor assigned to review my case to call & speak to my rheumatologist. My badgering finally paid off. The physician actually looked through my medical records! He did not really believe what he saw so he actually called my rheumatologist at UCLA. He asked questions and he actually told my doctor that there was no way that I was able to work. So after four years going back to my original application. I again went before a judge who asked me several questions and he gave me his decision right there on the spot during court.
. The judge approved my disability with full retroactive pay beginning the day I stopped working. I had to wait for his written decision and then it took about 3 months to receive my check. Do not give up. Always remember that the squeaky wheel really does get the grease.
It will be 3 years in April that I have been waiting on SSDI. I have had my three denials and court case and have been impatiently waiting for the judge's decision for the last 3 months. It shouldn't take 3 to 6 months to get an answer from the judge in my opinion. The whole process is absolutely ludicrous and impossible without an attorney. so my best suggestion is to get an attorney as soon as possible and be prepared to wait at least 2 to 3 years for an approval. Best of luck to everyone applying!
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