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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J G.
I am not as fortunate. I have a TBI with short term memory loss, migraines, both wrists have nerve damage from working jobs and a car accident, bulging disc in lower back, both knees have had ACL surgeries, and now one needs a knee replacement. I’ve been trying, unsecessfully, since 2014 to get SSDI after 20 years of working. It is nice to read some people don’t have to go through so much as others to get the disability benefits
Mary R.
Jarita, I am sorry to hear about your brain injury from an auto accident. I too was injured in back to back auto accidents in 2011. First one was just a small fender bender which totaled my van and the second one didn’t so much damage to the car but the long term effects to all four of us in the car is on going. But, I as the driver who had been rear ended many times before was finally determined a spinal cord injury. Since 2013 I’ve hard 3 Lumbar Fusion surgeries, a spinal cord stimulator implant and just recently my first and hopefully last cervical fusion surgery.
To make a long story short I’m messed up and I take so much medication it takes up two shelves in the medicine cabinet(I’m considered high risk) Oh and as an added plus my medical/medicine bills have become excessive(our portion).
But here’s the kicker..I’m one of those SSDI nightmare stories. I’ve been trying to get SSDI since 2013 when I was let go by my former employer because I could not return to work after my first surgery and was going to have a second. I am currently waiting for an appeal date after the hearing Judge in February of this year denied my benefits, again.
Financially, my Husband and I are decimated. We had to sell our big beautiful home in 2016 because I could no longer manage the stairs, Have used all my resources(401k’s, Inheritance from my Mom, settlement from the auto accident, what little proceeds from the sale of our house. We’ve even now been using my Husbands retirement to stay afloat. But now our boat is sinking. We’re having to sell our condo we just bought last year(before the bank forecloses), and to file bankruptcy.
I have an appointment in November with Disability employment(if I even can work part time), that was the earliest appointment they could give me.
I don’t understand how some people who are out there playing rounds of golf or playing tennis everyday can collect SSDI. While I have to walk with a cane all the time and can’t turn my head but was denied.
On top of the fusions, I have fibromyalgia, TMJ, immune problems, sinus and allergies and bladder control issues. I see so many specialists it makes most people shake there heads. I no longer drive because my medicines make me unsafe for others(don’t need a DUI).
Anyways, the long and short of this letter is to let you know there are still people out there facing extreme difficulties getting SSDI.
Thank you for your encouraging note for others that don’t live in California.
Jane t.
I need to find out how to obtain my disability back pay. We are on the verge of bankruptcy and really could use the money now. Please reply as soon as possible. My name is Jane toothaker my phone number is 205 687 7133. Thank you very much.
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Jane. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire about your back pay, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email.
Avril B.
In my opinion, blog.ssa.gov does a great job of dealing with subject matter of this sort. While often deliberately polemic, the posts are in the main thoughtful and thought-provoking.
https://honourcall.tumblr.com/post/185520594273/tonsil-stone-links
John C.
I dropped off paperwork applying for Medicare part B at the local SSA office. Will I be receiving some documentation to this paperwork.
V.V.
Hi John, thanks for using our blog. We do not have access to personal information in this venue. To follow up on the status, you will need to work with your local Social Security office.
Julie C.
Hi my name Julie in looking for a lawyer that can help me in 2 cases of ssi disability there were denied and I know it’s not right.
INOWEI M.
I’m not receiving benefits here
Sandy P.
I think its a disgrace that all the people who have paid into SS get there money stolen my congress .. That money is from the working class an NOT intended for other to sneak there dirty hands into it an take,, If we owe the government money they are sure going to get it from you,even if they have to take everything you own. So congress owes us the money people our money they stole from us
Shari
I filed way back in 2011. I was denied of course. Then I got a lawyer, we went to court I was denied again.(now just so you know I have been to the dr. Every month since 2008.) Ok, the next thing my lawyer did was send it to federal court. They obviously seem that the judge was totally WRONG!! So, they sent it back to state court and said pretty much fix this!! So, then I had to wait for another court day which was January 9 of 2018. The judge found me fully favorable as of feb.6th of 2018 they ruled it. I have ONLY received 2 monthly checks. It has been 7 months and I still haven’t received any back pay!! This is so ridiculous how do they expect people to live?? That is my money!! I should NEVER have to wait this long!!!
Sincerely.
FRUSTRATED
R.F.
We understand the frustration, Shari. 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. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.
Also, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks.
tony d.
I was diagnosed with Frontal Tempural Lobe Dementia, or picks disease. 3% of the us population is diagnosed. My dr explained it is terminal with average life 6-8 years. After testing at least not able to pass to my daughter. when I got out of hospital we applied, late april this year. We hired a lawyer, I fired him late july because I built the case and gave him all the needed records. He said it still would takes months, he wanted enough time to get max payout for him, 6 grand is most they can collect from back pay(federal law). While I almost had a nervous breakdown(just kidding) trying to deal with their caseworkers, I got full ssdi august 1. Look at their rules, mine was under compassionate acts initiative a list of diagnoses that are expedited ssdi. If anybody needs help with the system feel free to contactme. Thanks for letting me share
R.F.
Thank you for sharing, Tony!
JILL M.
I am trying to pay back money owed and i don;t see a site that will let me pay it for a overpayment
R.F.
We wish we could be more help, Jill. For security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives will be able to assist you with the collection of an overpayment.
Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday but you will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!