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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sherry L.
my son is 17 and autistic can i go to the ssa office on his behalf to fill out adult disabilty form because he cant go due to his anxiety
R.F.
If your son is receiving Social Security benefits and you have not yet apply to be his Representative Payee, you should do that now.
A face to face interview is required to apply for and be appointed as a representative payee by SSA.
It would be helpful to obtain a statement from his doctor. The statement should say that your son is not able -mentally and physically- to take care of himself and that you are the person responsible to keep his finances in order.
Please read our publication: A Guide For Representative Payees.
If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Or you can contact your local Social Security office. Thanks.
patty
Ive been on SSI for almost 20 years. They are asking to review my medical records. What are the chances of being denied. What happens if I am?
R.F.
We understand your concerns, Patty. The Social Security Administration conducts Continuing Disability Reviews from time to time to make sure the individuals receiving checks are still eligible to get them. The review depends on how severe your medical condition is and the likelihood it will improve.
Generally, if medical improvement is possible, we will do a continuing disability review (CDR) approximately every 3 years. If not, we may review it less frequently.
For more information, please read our publication: What You Need To Know – Reviewing Your Disability. We hope this information helps!
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Suzanne B.
I lost my home due to a car crashing Ito my house and I wasn’t working at the time due t fibrimynagia ,bipolar Deppression ,anxiety, and a phobia of leaving the house . Was dropped by my Phyciasrist for no reason they have appoligized . But now it to late . So now I have lost my home buy default loss of rental income . And now I have no money and my trial date is not until April . I’ve been threw car driving in my house a fire not getting paid for my living exspence a robbery and vandalism and the work not being finished on my house 2 car accidents in one month . How much can a person handle was going to a phycilogist and I have a phobia of driving alone or leaving the house . I don’t know how disabled they want me to be and I developed authritis .
K S.
I don’t think I am receiving the correct amount and I am on disability. Like you, I did not have a lot of difficulty because I am disabled. I have had many major surgeries. I don’t know how to calculate the amount I should receive. Do you? I am close to the maximum but that $300 would be helpful.
Donna B.
I am very glad that some folks navigate right through the process however I did exactly what I was supposed to do. I applied initially in Dec. 2016 and in April 2017 I was denied. I have cancer which is now metastasized. I filed my reconsideration one week after my first denial. I sent everything and between early May to September 2017, I called and was reassured six times everything was fine. Then on the 7th call, the person said I had no claim pending. I cried and cried. In essence, all the other workers never even looked; they just said whatever to get me off the phone. In September, I drove directly to the office and sure enough, they said they did not work on it because I failed to fill out a form but thank God, I had an acknowledgement letter back in May saying they received it. There answer was, “we are sorry, we really dropped the ball on this one.”. It is now Dec. 28, 2017 and I still do not have an answer. I have lost everything because I cannot work even though I put over 45 years in as a nurse.
I think its just awful. They don’t care.
R.F.
We apologize for the delay and inconveniences you are experiencing, Donna. We regret to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Genevieve M.
Is a person who has not worked for years and is unable to walk because of disability caused from multiple sclerosis eligible for Social Security disability.?. She is 50 years old and her pharmacist husband has just lost his job. He has worked as a pharmacist for twenty plus years and of course, has paid into S. S If she were able, she would go to work to help out at this scary time.
Is there any help for her?
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