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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Virginia H.
I would like to know if you can receive anything from an estate would this affect your SSD benefits?
Ray F.
Thanks for your question, Virginia. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are paid based on your previous earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. Receiving anything from an estate should not affect your SSDI benefits. Benefits paid under the Supplemental Security Income or SSI program, on the other hand, are subject to other income and resources.
Bob
I applied for SSDI way back in 1997 and was rejected,went back to work part,part time and did have a lawyer but I applied on east coast but in between I moved back to Colorado.I did get another court date but when I arrived my lawyer never showed up.I finally got a hearing with an Administrative judge,he asked many question and seemed to know my whole life.Think is was only a couple weeks that I received a fully favorable judgment.Now I’m almost 64.Do I have to report when I retire?I thought I was told at 65 but a bit confusing.Thanks.
shojibz
Self-published books
shojib
What an interesting Era in Automobile history we are in i for one would like to see more alternative fuels and how the electric cars
Sophia
Thankfully the website process is actually easy to navigate, as the author states. It is really worth making the effort to look into the process via the website and you don’t need an attorney to get through the process. This results in needless expense – it is something you can do on your own and you can get the benefits you need.
Clyde E.
Hello,I must ask to forgive my spelling,I signed up on disable social security last March , had a stroke during March i,m a vet,59 years old I have suger,I don’t know how to spell it but it is due to diabetes my feet kills me they hurt to walk on them,I have no side vision due to the stroke,my right hand at times will not hold things when I pick up something,the tips of my fingers feel funny like they are asleep,my va granted me 100 per cent due to my hearing I have lost 80 per cent in my right ear,90 per cent in my left ear,due to my mos in the army. I can’t sleep at nite due to my feet and legs hurting I get around four to five hours of sleep a nite some time not that, they said I might be able to be retrained to do other jobs if I read it right,they told me that I have some what hearing lost and with earring aids I could work ,but I’m sorry if I can’t stand or walk a long or short. Ways,if I’m at almost 100 per cent hearing lost,and I can not see to the right side of me if I can’t hold something at times how can I hold a job. I started work at 12 years old up until last March I have repel my case but I’m I wasting my time I hope to hear from you if you get time. Thank you Clyde
Clyde E.
I,m sorry I forgot to say that I also have 40 per cent black lung during winter months I have to used a breathing machine at times due to cold air hardens the dust in my lung,I do have hearing aids but they have what is called a amperfier that I wear around my neck to boost the sound but when you at in a crowed place you can not tell to much what is beening said,.I can, not go up ladders steps are hard to. Thanks clyde
June
Hello Mr Fernandez or SS rep
Glad i found this site because i was in a bad car accident on Feb 19, 2015 when a drunk driver hit me and my husband’s car. It left me with Lumbar Stenosis with nerve root compression, PTSD, and Tachycardia plus extreme migrane headaches. My lumbar stenosis over the months got so bad i had to start using a cane which i’ve been on for the past 5 months. I have a neurosurgeon and he recommended spinal shots which i’ve done two so far and will get another one. I notice for this disability SS says an orthopedic report, is my neurosurgeon report just as good because if the 3rd shot doesn’t help i will be applying for SSD becasue my pains from my lower back to toe is resurfacing. Not to mention the chest pains i experience and was so debilitating until they put me on 2 meds to keep the pain down. Thank you for your help.
vicki g.
you wouldn’t believe what I had to go through with trying to get disability since 2006. Kept denying me till I was able to retire in 2015. total BS.
Candice A.
Thank you for sharing your journey! Social Security has been implemented to serve the public-don’t be ashamed it you need it! Filing can be confusing, if you need help do not be afraid to ask, http://www.candiceapple.com/
James L.
Privatize Social Security Disability,