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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Well then it worked for you. I just received a denial when i am 100% disabled from the Navy and 100% from the VA with severe PTSD. The Social Security Officer was provided with files say that I have total social and professional compromise. In very clear terms it say does not play with others and severe limitations. So now I must jump through months of hoops and try to figure out how to make up allot of income.
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I suffered TBI and a few strokes ( CVA’s, Subanachroid Hemmoraghes, Subdural Hematoma and Coma, 3 weeks…) Had do it all over… everything. Took me ten yrs to have the strength to hold a pencil in paralyzed side. Get lost, bad sense of direction, emotional, psychological scars, pride, humility … Emotions and strength I ever knew existed summoned. Yet, I graduated college w two degrees… Since, I’ve been accident prone. I applied when on STD then returned to work … Another injury a few months later, i reapplied… Turns out my app was still active. L/S … I provided all med docs w in a few days. ( also, I also read a post that one should gather Res FCA’s on their own so as to make SS decision making process easier .. more streamlined. Cause, when SS starts requesting additional docs, your file goes to bottom of pile. Anyway, the five mo waiting period flew by. Get organized. Read forums and suggestions from those who’ve been before you…. However, I’d trade all the SSDI tomorrows for one single yesterday, if I was medically cleared to work. It’s not a gravy train… And remember, most that are on it , have suffered greatly. Believe me 95% of SSDI recipients would prefer to stand on stage w Big Brother, than collect meager bennies
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