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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Napoleon K.
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Arthur L.
There are conditions that fall within the Compassionate Allowances Program that will automatically qualify an individual for SSDI. The Presumptive Disability category that has a stronger incident of approval. I do not have a negative story at the same time – statistically it is in many ways a flawed process. I had not been able to use my arm-hand for over a year prior to my surgery. I had undergoing therapy, injections & had more than sufficient medical documentation. First surgery did not correct problem & condition got worse. I saw SSA doctor 3 weeks after “second” surgery, and was denied benefits. During the exam, I was asked to perform exercises that no one would have been able to do after such an extensive second surgery-particularly at that stage. My conclusion – my medical records were not reviewed as required. My doctor advised me that 90% of initial SSDI claims are denied (I didn’t believe her). I’m right-handed, how could I be denied?? Had to go through the hearing process (with an attorney). Although it appears to be a very simple process, it can be a failed attempt to apply for SSDI benefits without a lawyer unless you have a condition meeting the criterion of the programs above or immediately meets the five-step analysis of the disability determination process.
Hail E.
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by chance (stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
http://dealershail.com/
Noelle
I just got denied after 2.5 years of going through the process. I had a lawyer and full support of my doctors saying there is no way I can work full time yet still denied. They will find any reason to deny you.
Larry S.
Listen, I have been blind in my left eye since birth. I am not getting better and it is getting worse. I was told that yes… we know you are blind.. but you are not blind enough… to qualify… you can find some company to hire you… so really not sure how SSDI decides who is qualified …. it seems if you try to take care of yourself… you are not qualified…. really not excited to have to get a lawyer to do something that is right … I have worked since I was 13 and paying into the SSI… now at 60, being told that I need to suck it up and take any job thrown at me. It is not below me, but seriously there is a lot of work I cannot do simply because it requires sight and focus.
Coulette
I just received my unfavorable decision from the ALJ. To say the least, I’m truly hurt and truly in shock. I do know I will be filing an appeal to have it reviewed, because I didn’t know that I should have to lie about things in order to sound believable, nor did I know that the things that came out my mouth were going to be misconstrued, by professionals. Do ALJ normally lie? But anyway. A combat vet with PTSD and depression and anxiety along with lower back issues and topped with fibromyalgia, can’t go back to being a paralegal, but he sure does seem to believe I can sit for 8 hours as a data entry clerk. Yay me! I love that I fought for my country, but it’s a damn shame when your country turns their back on you!
Erica
Agreed. A damn shame!
Denise O.
WELL….. That’s just depressing for me. All of my issues surfaced after a mental breakdown in Nov 2014. Miscarriage, relationship ended, and job dissolved all within a 4 week period. Nevermind the cheating husband I had caught and divorced in 2007 and had worked two jobs to raise my two children, or the fact that I had been thru an armed robbery at a store, my home had been robbed, and while on vacation in 2012 I was robbed.
Yes I have seen several Drs. I’ve seen one dr for many years due to the RA that’s trying to get bigger and bigger. I’ve seen a phycologist (one told me I had adjustment disorder… Ok) and have been told my mental breakdown came from a life of major events that would of sent most people away many many years before my 41st birthday could of triggered my bipolar personality going on. Oh I forgot to mention I tripped over the cat and caused myself a concussion as I lay knocked out with an open wound for 5 hours.
Yes I am ADD/ADHD and I am skipping around so stay with me….. Hop hop.
So the reason I find this blog (I guess that’s what you call it) depressing is that you went 4 months and there you go…. Your done. I’m guessing you didn’t loose everything you owned or friends or family due to you waiting on SSDI to make a decision.
I will agree, the web is user – friendly. Let’s face it – now a days if you can work your own cellphone you can use programs online to apply for anything and everything. You can even do your shopping at the local Lowe’s or Food Lion and they will have it ready for you when you get there.
What’s not easy is ……. Being single & praying everyday that some New Job will appear and understand the daily panic attacks and know you might be late or need to leave early. We know this prayer will not happen. Praying that the lights, water, and food will somehow continue each month. Praying your exhusband does not take advantage of this weak moment in life and take your daughter (which he did) while you are waiting to hear about your SSDI. Praying Wells Fargo would admit to the $21,000 in fees was an error on their fault and they will not foreclose on your home. That prayer is still in the works. Hardship letter sent here and there and every where and then I finally get a letter that says denied BUT we will reconsider if you call us in less than 60 days…… Really?!?!?
Applied in 2/2015….. 01/2016 in get denied. I call and ask for a reconsideration (still trying to do this on my own and not hire a lawyer….. Already had to pay $2500 to a custody lawyer who did nothing but take his “Meds” and blow hot air to have nothing done correctly… Another prayer and letter that way). I finally get an apt in March. My one and only car breaks down and I have to miss the apt. I call in a panic because all I am thinking is “they are going to take my home. This is my only chance of not completely losing everything I worked for.” Panic attack so serve I didn’t want to leave the house for days!!!! The lady was NOT understanding and told me I should of been prepared….. For what? A magical man to show up and fix my car????? Anyway…… I called two weeks and asked about my apt and when are they going to reschedule it. And GUESS WHAT…… They had forgot about me! Basically there is a button (gotta see this magic button one day) and if the person at the desk doesn’t take your file to the next screen it’s like your frozen, forgotten, stuck in space. Yesterday I received two….. 2 letters for two dr appts. Oh yeah….. Too bad my house may be foreclosed by then due to me being…… Well disabled and not being able to afford the doctors before applying to back up my mental impairment to go with my RA. I grew up in a time when your mom and dad would say “suck it up and get on with it” or “life doesn’t stop because you got hurt so get over it”. Getting over it too many times gets you to my life so if anyone reading this has any issues you have trouble dealing with…. Go Get A Dr!!! I’m praying I don’t wake up tomorrow with my hands feeling like they are on FIRE and swollen to the point I am ready to stomp a Dt Mt Dew can just to get something to wet my throat. After that maybe I can begin researching my loan documents again and pray for a miracle before 6/22 since I know it will not be SSDI! My apt with their dr is 6/23……. Guess I need to write my hardship letter again but include homeless instead of “could become homeless”
And please don’t say Legal Aide because they one appointed to me did not even know the statutory of limitation on a closed end loan vs an open ended loan. She told me to file chapter 13…… On what??? The house is the only debt I have. I’m down to……. Well almost Nothing!
Dana C.
Unfortunately Social Security Disability is more apt to approve someone with visible symptoms and illnesses they can see and understand. If you are Bipolar with Conversion Disorder, which causes you to shake and stutter when upset, it isn’t as easy. It took 2 years and going before a judge for me to be approved. At first when I spoke the judge said ” What’s your problem? Didn’t you take your meds today?”. He then laughed. I sat there in tears trying to get the words out while he mocked me. I could see my poor father out of the corner of my eye. His jaw was clenched and one hand was balled up in a fist. If it wasn’t for my lawyer, a man who had just spoke on the Senate floor about Somatoform Disorders, standing up for me, I wouldn’t have received anything. The judge dismissed brain scans, Shock Therapy, suicide attempts, and 2 of the top Doctors in New England that have written books on Bipolar and Conversion Disorder. I had to sell everything I owned in that 2 years. This included items my mother had given me before she passed away. Medicaid was not any better. Mary Hitte actually made fun of my stutter and imitated it. My father had to take the phone from me I was so upset. If these people are so miserable in their jobs, if they have lost all compassion for others, then they need to be removed.
Denise O.
Omg that is terrible. I hope you filed a grievance against that judge. I have had one dr say I’m bipolar. To be honest I could be a mix of many mental disorders but unless there is filter to figure it out I may never know if it was caused by the breakdown, the injury, or just born with.
My heart goes out to you for having to listen to someone say horrible things like that and coming from a person you are suppose to respect and stand when they enter the room.
Rose R.
To Dana Cook,
you wrote: “Unfortunately Social Security Disability is more apt to approve someone with visible symptoms and illnesses they can see and understand.”
Fortunately it is much easier to process and comprehend visible disabilities.
Just as it is for a Dr. to diagnose more common medical issues.
By the way, WHO is “Mary Hitte?”
Worried W.
oops cut off…realistic solution for living with impairment. To boot, I was working part-time to take care of him, but ran out of helpful relatives and friends, so in order to not live in a shelter, had to go back full-time to work. So now, we lost our health insurance benefits via MA Health, and are also no longer eligible for food stamps because I make just enough money to not be eligible. I pay rent, all bills, buy all the groceries, pay for all his medication costs, and now health insurance, and yet no help available. And we are drastically behind, further each day, and now I can’t think straight or sleep myself anymore due to the stress….I’m not sure who is going to last longer. AT least he has medical care and attention. I have nothing! And no ability to take care of myself. A favorable disability finding would constitute a miracle right now, but 12-14 months estimated wait time for a hearing!!?? I just don’t know how this is going to work out…help!
Rose R.
To worried wife,
the best solution for your own state of health and sanity, would be to divorce him.
You haven’t been married very long, and the fact that he owes back child support, wait until you find out they’ll be coming after you to settle that up.
Worried W.
My husband was denied twice, now pending a hearing date, hopefully before he offs himself, because they found that he could do OTHER work. Explain to me what type of other work is suitable for someone with fecal incontinence, and intractable perineal pain with rectal spasming that takes him to his knees? He can’t drive, sleep or walk for any length of time, and even sitting hurts him. He is frequently ripped out of sleep with cramping, vomiting or an accident, and he is supposed to find a job that he can do??? Would you want to work next to someone with poop running down their leg at unpredictable moments? Someone who has to take 3-4 pain pills and a host of other medications for anxiety and nausea just to exist in their own home? Maybe he should get a desk job at a nuclear power plant or something.. I think not! I am only caretaker, as mom disowned him for saying something nasty after anesthesia….seriously. We are going to lose everything, and this 2 years into marriage. What could you possibly deny here? He worked his whole life, and paid in, and now can’t, and is facing bank levies, legal action from Child Support owed since being out of work. No-one cares. The process takes FAR too long, and is not a
Malissa W.
Reading all these comments is very disheartening, as I am in the midst of the appeal process myself. I,too, have worked in well paying jobs my entire life. I have contributed a substantial amount to Social Security. I would prefer to work and not collect benefits, but now no employer will hire me because of my chronic illness. My lawyer told me I may continue to be denied because I have “too much education”. That really frustrates me. I feel like I am being penalized for working hard my entire life.
R.F.
Hi Malissa. You may find our listing of impairments useful. The Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs. 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. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. To learn more about the process we use to decide if you are disabled under our rules, visit our Disability Planner: How We Decide If You Are Disabled. Thanks!