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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Dave F.
I more or less share your take on this subject and look forward to new posts and comments here at blog.ssa.gov. Keep up the good work!
meisterfouhy543.co
Ilene P.
I need major) help and guidance
Matthew M.
Ive worked hard all my life. I havent worked in the last few yrs i now have ssi. How do i get on ssd. Im sickly and have been. I cant survive on 700 a month.
A.C.
Hi, Matthew. Thanks for your question. To qualify for disability benefits, you generally need to have worked for five out of the last 10 years before you became disabled. The rules are different for younger workers who become disabled or die. For a complete explanation of credits needed for the different types of benefits, visit our Benefits Planner: Social Security Credits web page. We hope this helps.
Kevin
It was about 10 years ago that I had a massive seizure in my sleep. I woke up to paramedics in my bedroom and my shoulder was dislocated. Upon going to theER, they did a CAT scan. It turns out I have an Arachnoid Cyst on the right posterior fossa that is about the size of my fist. They told me it was congenital. And judging by the enlarged ventricles, I had hydrocephalus at an early age also. They told me I’d probably had sleep seizures my whole life and didn’t know it. I probably had absent seizure during the days following a nocturnal seizure and didn’t realize it.
5 years ago they did a brain surgery to try a fenestration of the cyst. But, it filled up to fast. Unfortunately, the cyst is close to my cerebellum. After that surgery, I had NO balance.
A few weeks later, I woke up with a massive headache and CSF leaking from my stitches. So, I was off to get a shunt. Still have no balance. After that surgery and recovery, I got into balance therapy. After 4 months of working my butt off at the therapist office and at home, I was walking. But, I still have balance issues after a seizure.
Anyhoo, fast forward 5 years, I’ve been having more frequent seizures. It’s increasingly difficult to concentrate, remember simple things. I get headaches. I get sensitivity to all my senses. This usually leads to mild panic attacks. It’s getting harder and harder to go to work.
But, my problem right now is that I’ve been without a neurologist for about a year. She moved out of state.
Most of the neurologists in my state that I’ve found deal mostly with spinal injuries.
So, my test are years old. I’ve been without my meds for a few months. But, they weren’t really helping the previous 6 months I’d been taking them.
My wife, friends and family suggested I get on disability.
I have no idea were to begin. Will they even look at old test and info? Do I need to get new information?
I was diagnosed with epilepsy, that doesn’t just go away.
I was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, but the shunt pretty much keeps that in check. Although, I do still get major pressure headaches.
I was diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst. And that doesn’t go away. If anything it might be getting bigger.
A.C.
Hi, Kevin. We are sorry to hear about your condition. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked long enough and recently enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually within the last 10 years). The (SSI) program is a needs-based program that gives cash assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person thinks that he or she meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability benefits when they become disabled. You should not delay applying just because you do not have certain documents or lack medical reports. We will help you get them. Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, if you need further assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page on disability. Thanks!
BrianAmeDy
You really should aim to have the target search keyword within a single of the HTML headers in your content material (e.g. H2, H3, and so forth.).
RoSharon T.
To whom it may concern,
I am a Program Director for an agency that serves the Severly Mentally Ill. Often times the consumers come in wanting us to help them fill out their disability packet out, or help them apply.
I have heard of trainings through ssa.gov, to assist consumers. How can I go about getting this training.
Please advise,
RoSharon Turner
V.V.
Hi RoSharon. Thank you for using our blog to ask your question. Under certain circumstances, Social Security can provide a speaker to discuss our programs, benefits, and services. We provide speakers free of charge, and they are generally available during business hours only.
If you would like to request a speaker on behalf of your group, please click here to complete the request form.
butterfly
Hello,
I’m stuck between a rock and hard place. I am 59 years old with a physical disability HIV…diagnosed in 98 and for a while I had no resources. yes, I do have family. I am the youngest of 6. First four officially diagnosed with schizophrenia, effect, etc… I got sick in 2013,I was hospitalized for 29 days some type of lung procedure.. That year I lost the job that my first time home ownership was based on, no income. I started taking jobs warehouse jobs because I’m afraid my respiratory issues. I’ve advocated for my one of my older sisters for 44 years , with three sons. I want to attempt full time work but I’m afraid I wont have mental or physical capacity to go through the process. Please advise.
btw. sorry,tried to paint a true picture.
V.V.
Hi there. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked long enough and recently enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually within the last 10 years). The (SSI) program is a needs based program that gives cash assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. If you think you may be eligible to receive disability benefits and would like to apply, you can use our online application.
Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages:
• You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment.
• You can apply from the convenience of your home, or on any computer; and
• You can avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.
If you are unable to file online, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday to make an appointment. For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. Thanks!
Ann H.
I just got word that I will be receiving my SSDI but I told them I don’t have a checking account I need a debit card for my money to be put on. But I haven’t received my debit card yet and I’m supposed to receive my money this Wednesday January 9th 2019. I need to know what is going on with my money.
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Ann. 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 benefit payment, 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.
Gerri A.
with the government shut down can I still receive my monthly social security payment?
V.V.
Hi Gerri: Social Security is not affected by the government shut down. All payments will be made on schedule.
edward F.
Your experience is most certainly the exception to the norm. Most are denied twice and must go to hearing. Average wait times for ssdi decisions after hearing currently 15 months i my state. I’ve been trying for 5 years to prove disability. Caps on representative compensation have created a dearth of competent attorneys specializing in disability. I paid into the system for 31 years. I’m not lazy or a drug addict, I’m just sick and need the help I paid for.