How I Navigated the Social Security Disability Process
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: October 19, 2015
I’m on Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). Okay I said it, and, I’m also very thankful for it. I might sound somewhat perplexed, because it’s all new to me and isn’t what I had expected to deal with in life. Yet, I am realistic and understand that “things happen” to all people.
You hear about the horrifying, multi-year process involved when applying for SSDI benefits. These stories are in the media and everywhere, but I didn’t have to pay close attention, because I never expected I’d need SSDI.
I’ve always strategically planned for the unexpected. I’m a former corporate vice president of operations and international business leader of more than 30 years’ experience. My husband and I, together, had a significant income, owned a home in a country club, guard-gated community in Southern California, and were extensive travelers, etc. Then, the season changed – unexpectedly.
In 2012, I started to show medical symptoms from an old auto accident that had caused a brain injury. I had difficulty walking, memory loss, etc. My neurosurgeon explained what was occurring, and that major brain surgery was required for me to continue living. My first brain surgery was performed in July 2012; my second brain surgery in September 2012; and between 2012 and 2014, I underwent five brain/skull surgeries. My husband became my full-time caregiver, and our financial safety net was all compromised due to my health.
With that said, it was time to apply for SSDI. Friends recommended that I hire an attorney, but I went directly to www.ssa.gov and read the disability application requirements, and felt strongly that I could do it on my own via the website. I wasn’t in the best mental state to tackle an extensive application (I was in between brain shunt implant surgeries), but, was determined to apply for SSDI to help exercise my brain. When I got to the site, I found the SSA disability determination website amazingly user-friendly! I was able to, independently, apply online with the easy step-by-step instructions. When my mind needed to rest, I was able to save my information and, the next day, continue from where I left off. I did everything online — not once having to step foot in a field office to complete my application; and I received my disability benefits in four months!
What a decision to make! I always said that if I could work through the disability determination process successfully on my own, I’d publicly share my story to assist others. I continue to fulfill that promise every day, and as it turns out, I’m not an anomaly. The risk of disability is larger than we think: A 20-year-old worker has a 1-in-4 chance of needing disability benefits before reaching full retirement age! So, after 30 years in the workforce and contributing to the Federal Insurance Compensation Act (FICA), I sure am glad my disability insurance was there for me in my time of need.
Honestly, I get tired of hearing the negative stories about SSDI. It’s time for everyone to hear a good truthful story about the Social Security disability determination process and how it works in favor of claimants and truly serves the public.
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Tags: Disability, online services, social security, SSA
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jarita (J.D.) Davis, Social Security Disability Insurance Beneficiary and published author and blogger
Jarita (J.D.) Davis, Social Security Disability Insurance Beneficiary and published author and blogger
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Margie
After much research, I recently applied online. Then I did more research and realized that the online app did NOT ask for medication side effects or current limitations! Very important details. There were two big boxes to comment on Dr treatments, but was not asked about this anywhere else. Can I add this to my application still??
R.F.
Thank you for your question Margie. To add new medical evidence or a medical source to your pending claim, you can mail or take the information to your local Social Security office.
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Bob R.
I had a lawyer and it definitely helped me. I had enough trouble completing the small amout of paper work that I had to do. From what I heard and read, I was prepared for the appeals and going to a hearing but was approved without any of it so I am gratefull for that. That said I am confused why it is taking up to 6 months to get my lump sum payment for the months before I started receiving my monthly benefit. Even so I am still grateful for SSDI.
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Penny
Just another experience6 or 7 years ago my Brother had a stoke, got somewhat better with some disabilities that would never go away, went back to work. eventually ended up having 3 Heart attacks, and another stroke, which led to I don’t know how many splints while performing all these surgeries or implants whatever their called they found a aneurysm about the size of a Grapefruit in his stomach, ended up in a university hospital and had to be measured for some kind of apparatus they actually make specific for that person, and it is inserted through this blood clot to help shrink it never comes out, then he eventually had to have Pacemaker and Oxygen he filed for Benefits himself in the beginning after the 3 Heart attacks and stroke and was denied it took apox a year for a decision, he then hired an organization called ALSUP to help and they did help to a point by getting all the records, well basically you have to get Doc names Hospital names sometimes when required you even have to be the one who goes to get signatures, so they don’t do it all, it too pretty close to two more years to go in front of a ALJ and get a decision he is now 60 years old, and was approved, and really no one knows how much longer its going to take before actually to receive any money or checks, if it had not been for me his Sister, he would have been either dead on the streets homeless or who knows what, and then again I know someone who had a heart attack who was just a bout my brothers age and filed once and was approved, had his SSDI way before my Brother, so come on there is a problem some where..
bsal
The Social Security Administration is totally corrupt. The reason they deny claims isn’t because of a large number of scammers but because they have a vested interest and want to keep as much money as possible. SSA’s own statistics show that only 2% of people are scammers yet they deny 2/3 of claims. Rules are unfair. Does your caregiver use a PA? Integrative doctor? New disease like chronic fatigue syndrome? Denied. Are you young? Denied. I was disabled at 38 with chronic fatigue syndrome and had to fight denials for four years before being approved based on a neuropyschological exam (at my cost) for undifferentiated somatoform disorder (a mental disorder where you are deemed to falsely imagine symptoms). The accused me of not taking medication while ignoring my medical history of taking seven drugs. Reading his appeal was like he had to justify why he approved me to some evil overlord. These people are scum.
Diane R.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have read all of these wonderful stories. But in 3 years I’ll be 66 years of age and will be entitled for Social Security.
Thank you. I’m still looking for the place on my computer to apply online. I’ll keep scrolling down.
Take care,
Diane
Donna
http://www.ssa.gov
you will need to create an account (if you don’t have one) in order to file for disability online