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
Comments
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MARY T.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR MOVING FROM ONE STATE TO ANOTHER, REGARDING LIVING IN A LONG TERM NURSING FACILITY?
R.F.
Hello Mary, if you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account. If you get SSI, or are unable to change your address online, you can:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
•Contact the local Social Security office in the “new” area.
Thanks!
Robin P.
I am a beginner and am the mother of a mentally challenged son and must be the one who applies and does any leg work needed for him to receive benefits.
I am also going to be filing for a life long friend that has multiple issues and applied in 1991 but was rejected because his elements weren’t that severe the disability doctor said but they were indeed that sever but he didn’t know to get lawyer at that time and let it go. He has been unable to work since and lives solely off wives pay which is below poverty. He now needs ssdi asap as he has progressively gotten worse. How would I begin process on later in divisional?
R.F.
Hello Robin. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSI program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people aged 65 and older 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. Also, individuals must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits under the SSDI program.
Disabled individuals may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. Or you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information.
James F.
I am on SSDI after working 36 years then became disabled. Now I turn 66 this month and I am expected to go one month with out a check. I Do not understand why I should have to do that or any disabled person. Can you answer why?
R.F.
Hello James, Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide any specific information about your monthly payments.
If you received a letter from us, stating that your payments will be suspended, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and one of our agents should be able to provide you with an explanation. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.
Mary R.
i got a letter from ssi saying i died april,17 2018 it was not me that died it was my mom my payee how do i get my money so i can pay my bills???i have already whent to office to wright a statement that i am alive
Oneida L.
I’m pleased by the manner in which blog.ssa.gov handles this type of issue! Usually on point, sometimes controversial, without fail thoughtful and challenging.
http://www.lookweb.it/54377
Erica
As someone (39 year old female) who has now waited 6 years living off my savings with no income during that time (hoping while getting treatment to eventually correct a deteriorating spine condition) and avoiding the stigma associated with another person who’s categorized as “living off the system”, I have come to the conclusion that I’m no longer able to sustain myself. My condition cannot be helped but is only getting worse and will continue to. I appreciate the read. Thank you. This gives me hope that I can do this as my condition is very much listed as a disibilitating factor that meets the standards under physically disabled. I wish my doctors (all 6 of them; orthopedic, pain specialist, neurologist etc…) over the years since 2010, had mentioned to get on disability sooner. Never had one mentioned a word. Sooner nor later. Here I am now nearly broke and literally broken! I understand brain injuries are very serious and I’m assuming your doctors have guided you and rightfully so on the path of successfully obtaining disability. Thereby making the process far more easier than most. Thank you for the read. If anyone can offer any advice on what to do that could help, I’d appreciate it.
Erica
Freddie Z.
thank you for your post. It was positive and encouraging and I am glad SSDI was there for you and came thru. I hope your family is doing well, and you are in a good place today, and getting along better with your disablility and life style changes.
Billy C.
I’ve rcieved a decision from the judge two months ago,how long does it take to start getting a check?
andrew s.
online I received a denial on the initial ssd application – when I called social security the gal said no decision has been made and no denial letter has been sent.
RONALD N.
You have just made it impossible for me to check my account at Social Security.
When I try to log in it says to get a code Number (from my email site) when I leave your site to get the code number from email and then come back to Social Security site I have to log in again but then it will not accept the code number that I just got.
There is no way I can be on your site and check email at the same time
JD D.
Ronald, change your Code Number from email to SMS (text). Then you’ll be able to log-in, when the Code Number is sent to your telephone versus email. Hope this helps.
R.F.
We are sorry to hear you’re having difficulties with your account. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Nanette
I am one of the horror stories so I’m glad to hear someone made it thru. I am 56 and have Advanced Congestive Heart Failure from a congenital condition. In the words of my doctors, my heart is severely scarred and stiff, have a pacemaker/defibrillator that works 60% on one part of my heart and 90% on the other and yet SSD says I’m not sick enough to get benefits I’ve put into 30+ years. What’s the secret?
JD D.
Nanette, take a deep breathe and relax. I’m so sorry to hear of your illnesses. You must believe all will be fine. Have faith and patience in the system. Recommend to contact your local Social Security office or your atty/advocate and talk it through to them for advice and next steps. Best wishes.
Isreal C.
blog.ssa.gov does it yet again! Very thoughtful site and a thought-provoking article. Thanks!
http://swish.st/87347