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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It’s difficult to find well-informed people in this particular topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
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shojib i.
ind of BS that it took them that long to send out a presumably already done offer. Of course, they are probably waiting so they can get at least 1 more payment out of me too. What a joke. There
tonya
yes id like to make a comment on the debbie one of first comments thinking someones trying to buck the system, alot of people do try to buck the system and ive known alot of people that have bucked and got away with it THINKING wth cause honestly those who want to buck they do buck and they get theirs on the other hand those who are denied over and over again because not enough medical evidence or a paper trail really do need it ,if they were trying to fool the goverment they’d know exactly what to do in order to be approved a person whose disabled and tried for over 7 years appeal after appeal being denied health deterating so badly cant even hardly get out of the bed watching the whole thing right before your eyes cause they never had anyone to care enough to be sure to go to a doctor or make sure they went ,this person sacrificed his whole being for those he loved ,but to turn around when he had nothing left to give health gone an all to be tossed out on the street ,so those people you think might be trying to buck may be the only ones sick if he was able hed be working instead of homeless no health and awaiting because finally hes got a doctor hes had for 2 years saying hes 100%disabled so as far as im concerned those who get it fast are the ones bucking
Beth B.
Important insights into this disability process come from a number of studies of selected samples, but to date no analysis has been reported of the determinants of application and outcomes in a national sample of the population of the United States. This article explores those characteristics of persons with mental disorders and their families that are associated with application for Social Security disability benefits and the factors that differentiate those applicants who receive benefits from those who do not. The National Health Interview Survey on Disability (NHIS-D) provides a nationally representative sample that includes enough persons with mental disorders to allow estimates of multivariate models of both application and receipt.https://babyishcare.com/newborn-baby-care-tips-first-time-parents/
Kevin
I have nocturnal seizures, hydrocephalus and a large arachnoid cyst. I have seizures a few times a month. It basically gives me symptoms of insomnia during the day. Headaches, lack of coordination, difficulty concentrating, trouble remembering, nausia, disorientation, balance issues, the list goes on. Also, it can lead to focal seizures during the day.
I have been working through all this. There are many days that I feel I shouldn’t be at work. But, I go anyway.
How do I know if my problems are bad enough to apply for disability?
How do I just stop working before I apply?
Do I just stop going to work?
Do I quit?
Do I talk to my eplieptologist about relieving from duty at my job?
What evidence do I need before applying?
R.F.
Hi Kevin. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSI program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSDI benefits, on the other hand, are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. However, if a person believes they are disabled and meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability as soon as possible. You can apply online, which is quick and easy. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2017, the SGA limit is $1,170 per month ($1,950 for blind applicants). In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work. For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. We hope this information helps!
MICHAEL L.
Interesting topic and your discussion of the insurance issues involved was clear and concise.Keep up the good work!
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Misty
Additionally, when I applied, I provided them with a certification of legal blindness in both eyes signed by my eye doctor.
Ollie G.
6/6/2019 blog.ssa.gov does it yet again! Quite a thoughtful site and a good post. Keep up the good work!
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Misty
I am legally blind in both eyes but worked for 27 years until other health issues caused me to have to leave my job. I applied for SSDI and my latest update was A medical decision has been made and we are working to process your benefit application. A Social Security Representative may contact you directly if we need any additional documents or information. I’ve read this can be an approval or denial but I’ve also read that being legally blind in both eyes is an automatic qualifier. I’m chewing through my savings and getting very nervous. Any idea how much longer I’ll have to wait since I am at this step? Thanks!
R.F.
Hi Misty. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. In your situation, we encourage you to continue working with your local office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to one of our representatives. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00a.m. and 7:00p.m. Thanks!
Antionette E.
6/6/2019 @ 11:34:38 PM Love the website– very user-friendly and much to think about!
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Nancy
What does the social security medical board need to determine if an individual is eligible for benefits? Is Stage 2 bladder cancer substantial enough?
R.F.
Hi Nancy. You may find our listing of impairments useful. Disability Benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to result in death. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you think you are disabled under our rules, you can apply for disability benefits online. Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact your local office for further assistance.