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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Debbie
The system is very inconsistent. And needs to be fixed. Many people die while waiting for benefits they have worked for. Yes, there are some lazy people who are trying to milk the system, but they can easily be spotted. They are the ones who don’t have a consistent work history. I have worked all my life, struggling with mental health issues, most of which went undiagnosed and untreated for most of my life. I have been waiting for two years now. The initial decision took a whole year!!! They ignored my history of health records, and even the MRFC completed by my psychiatrist and neuropsychological diagnostical report which was very extensive and included several new diagnoses and a GAF of 40. Even their own psychologist gave me a diagnosis of severe PTSD and they still denied me on initial application. It makes absolutely no sense at age 61, that I was denied at initial application. However, I did get my attorneys to do a letter brief for an on the record decision, which I believe has a good chance of getting approved. I meet several listings and also grid rules.
Social security obviously doesn’t even follow their own rules when making disability decisions. It’s a real injustice to all Americans.
Mary
How come no one answered my question?
Also, do you have to use the RFC SS has? My attorney has one he says is better.
Mary
Mary
My question is, based on all the written documentation in my very thorough medical records, can I legally fill in the RFC and just have my doctor fill approve and sign it? He typically leaves out information but it is all in my records. I’m only trying to make sure nothing is overlooked. Is this acceptable? Or hand him one filled out and he can reproduce?
Thank you.
Mary
Sandra W.
I am 58. I had a large frontal mengeomia brain tumor removed in October, 2015 which caused me to develop epilepsy. I applied for SSDI, SSI and my SS. I have had two Psychological exams per request of Disability Examiner. The first exam was for memory loss and the second for depression. The disability examiner said she will make her decision once she recieved the report from the last Psychologist. I feel as though the examiner is not taking into consideration that I have epilepsy and my Neurologist has said I am unable to work and cannot drive. BTW, my vehicle was repossessed because I was unable to make the payments. It has been six months. I am so afraid and depressed, that some days, I cannot even get out of bed. Why is the claims examiner not focusing on my epilepsy? SO FUSTRATED!!!
R.F.
We are sorry to hear about the inconveniences Sandra, and we understand your frustration. As you await a decision on your case, you may find our listing of impairments useful. The medical examiner must obtain evidence and investigate all possible causes for disability. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition(s) that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. Please continue working with your local office and the medical examiner that is examining your case.
To check for other potential benefits such as social service benefits or other benefits from the state in which you live while you await a medical determination, contact your local social services office or visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information.
Len
I wish I had filed myself. I did not know there was an online application. I hired an advocate. I was denied. (Calcaneus fracture and dislocated, broke subtalar joint on five places, tore acl, ruptured disc, ddd of course, have nerve root compression, had three back surgeries, laminectomy , disectomy, bone harvest with internal fixation, tore bicep tendon, gained serious amount of weight after injury, have serious sleep apnea and I’m on oxygen, diabetes, uncontrollable high blood pressure, and depression I think which is caused by never sleeping). The advocate ask me to fill out the application the best I could and he would help use the right language for Social Security. He apparently resigned or was fired so they just sent the application I had partially filled out. The new case manager at the advocates office informed me it was my fault for not filling it out all the way. I’ve had to deal with the advocates inner office drama, whining and bickering. The advocate I hired is extremely rude when I call, he told me to fill out an appeal and he would mail it in for me? I don’t feel I’m being represented at all and when they do represent me it’s half heartedly. I believe they’re stalling so they can to ensure they get the whole six thousand. I called Social Security the “evil case worker” was about the nicest person I’ve ever spoken with. I wish i had filled out my own application and not hired an advocate.
Elise
So sorry to hear about your situation and not knowing about the online application. Your purpose is to help spread the word for others to have faith and “apply online” and to trust the disability determination process. It does work, and helping others, will bless you. The author, J.D. Davis wrote a book on how to apply on-your-own online successfully.
Brian
I find it beyond pathetic. I received a response that my spine fusion was “adequate”?
If that’s the case why am already set up to get a new one from another surgeon. I never healed and I am in a ton of pain. I have to live on fentanyl patches so I can do much of anything. I am zonked out by the pain killers but the alternative is constant extreme pain. I have a ton of other issues perhaps I should not have mentioned but I suspect because my spine surgeon did not want a blemish he said I was fine. Glad SSA checked with my new neurosurgeon (handles the Denver Broncos) that I am pretty sure is in the know. I can even drive to the appointments as they are too far and the pain is too much. Perhaps my lawyer failed but I only got a lawyer in the first place since it’s a well known fact that the SSA generally shoots down everyone’s first application. Shame on this government. All the money I’ve paid into this system. The little bit of money I would even get is a joke but is better than zero. “Walk a mile (not going to happen) in my shoes”. Shame on this uncaring group of devious and unbelieving people.
Why did SSA not set up an appointment with me and their doctor? They took a year to get to me and about a month to blow me off. Karma, just wait until it’s your turn.
JLF
Isn’t it amazing how our government works? I am also one of “those people” who have been denied. I applied in 2004 and it is now 2016. My FOURTH hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge is coming up this May. I won’t even bother listing all of my disabilities but the two major ones are a Traumatic Brain Injury and a severe hearing loss. Life is so unfair when we work for all those years to pay in and there is never the pay out for what we legally are entitled to.
sherry
I have ra and had elbow replacement done i am 47 and worked in factorys most of my life i cant lift over 5 pounds and have been denyed twice now waiting for the law judge
Joe
Traumatic brain injury in feb 2011, approved in 2015…. Lost my home, everything, clothes included.
Nightmare….. Except i don’t remember being homeless, begging for food.
One rep actually called me crazy,, said i needed mental help.
Still waiting for back pay –
Re: bucking the system…
Thank you for calling me opportunistic, lazy and selfish.
I guess 35 years working hard to build a life and paying into an insurance system isnt enough….
Thanks
Joe
Someone edited my post!
Joe
Care to explain why?
D.P.
I worked in law enforcement for 22 years and after a couple horrific events learned I had PTSD. I filed for disability benefits because my doctor wouldn’t clear me to go back to work and it has been a year and a half and keep getting the run around. First theres going to be a review. Denied. Then they are setting up a hearing and then I get a letter after 9 months that they are going to review it again. Stalling. Now its been 6 more months and I haven’t heard a word and haven’t had a pay check in over a year and a half. How are people supposed to live? I was raised to work and have and paid into disability for close to 30 years and now that I need it I cant get it. They simply stall hoping you will give up or die one so they don’t have to give it to you.