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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Kenneth W.
I retired in July 2016. Signed up for medicare, BCBS supp and Part D. I started taking my SS last year and get gross about $2800 a month.
In April 2019 I had a triple orthodesis on my right ankle ( fused it so it will never move again.) from more than decades of fractures
IS it worth my time to apply for disability????
Brenda
How old are you? If you have already retired, why would you want to get on to disability? SSDI rolls over to Retirement once you reach full retirement age.
SSDI is just slightly higher than what you will get at retirement.
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Robertwadas
I survived a virus that has a 100% mortality rate. I, nor the doctors know how I survived. Luckily my family was able to pay for the best neurologist they could find and flew him him. Within 2 months I seemed fine. Then I noticed I fell a lot, lost memories and cognitive functions. I had lawer file disability. I asked if I could still work as my disability ins. was running out. The SSDI took three years and it was denied based on the fact I made to much money.They were never told that I was fired from all 3 attempts and the fourth cause me a trip coming money on back surgery. They said the ruling was correct and they are closing my file and no longer going to take my case. Now since I worked in the 3 years there is no money a disability lawyer can make on my case since the get 60% of backpay. All due to them telling me to work. If they would have told me there is monetary amount limit..I just would not work. I have 32 years of experience so making $1,400/month was not a range any employer in my field would pay me. They would know Id be gone when SSDI kicked in. Lucily I know how to trade well and trade under moms name and have no bill except utilities. The advice they gave to work is so crazy I may file a malpractice suit.. I did with my custody case lawyer and won $14,500. A lawyer I spoke to will take the SSDI case for $3,500.00 up front as thats what the usual amount he gets from clients.
Christyl
I applied after being hit in a auto rollover that left me disabled with a horrible noncurable condition. I was told I would not qualify because at 43 I didn’t have sufficient work credits. So SSDI doesn’t work for everyone.
Gil C.
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Musa H.
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Richard K.
How do I chage my benefits to be sent into a different bank account?
Ann C.
Hi, Richard. Thanks for your question. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit information online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.
Jackson B.
I like how you mentioned that a 20-year-old worker has a 1-in-4 chance of needed disability benefits before reaching retirement age. y little brother has some issues with his brain chemistry and he may possibly need disability benefits when he’s young. I’ll be sure to let him know its okay to get disability benefits if he needs it.https://rgglaw.net/practice-areas/social-security-disability/
Dolly S.
How to prove time worked from age 18 to 55 when lupus kicked in. SSDI but I think I should get credit for many more years (only 13 now). )
Ann C.
Hi, Dolly. You will need to go into your local Social Security office to correct your earnings record. When you go, you will need to provide proper ID and evidence of your missing earnings, such as W-2s, pay stubs, etc. Please read our publication “How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record” for more information. You can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make an appointment. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.