Disability
Related: About this forumApplying for SSDI
Had anyone here applied via in person or online? Is it easy applying online? Should I make an appointment to apply in person?
The online application seems complicated. I was reading about how to fill it out, what info saves and doesn't, . Will I need tax returns to apply? Any insight or tips appreciated
SheltieLover
(60,248 posts)Easy peasy. Been ths way for years.
Gl!
underpants
(187,333 posts)At least around here that's how it goes. Immediately request a medical review at that point. The initial waiting period in my state is 90 days for application process and six months minimum for the medical review.
My case was one of the fastest any of us had heard of.
underpants
(187,333 posts)SheltieLover
(60,248 posts)Get all records from treatment providers.
Have been helping a friend with this process. Professional told me, "everyone gets denied at least 6 to 7 times." (In shithole, TN.)
Keep copies of all records!!!
From what I'm seeing, the difficulties with the process are directly proportional to the county one lives in.
Sadly, there is no central processing location. So, if one lives in a safe, blue bubbpe, chances of approval are much higher than a repuke hellhole.
Start asking around for a lawyer if applicant lives in repuke hellhole, an attorney will likely be needed at some point.
Lawyers take these cases on contingency & only get paid (a significant % 9f back pay owed), so they often only take slam dunks.
I hope this is helpful.
underpants
(187,333 posts)I used to work with some disability lawyers and basically they are required from my experience. A real headache.
XanaDUer2
(14,602 posts)in other words, call and make an appointment. You don't actually apply via phone?
Dave in VA
(2,182 posts)that specailizes in SSDI. There are laws limiting the amount that you have to pay. Please check into a good one.
XanaDUer2
(14,602 posts)I did consult with the attorney who works with my psychiatrist. The plan is when I'm ready, have my doctor take me out of work, I apply for SSDI, and when turned down, the attorney steps in to help me win my case. Covid has caused a lag with the courts. I really need to be on it asap, but it's so hard.
The attorney told me I apply myself, and they step in one I'm denied
I had an attorney and they sent forms to my docs to get them to say I was unable to continue working and that I was not a malingerer, etc.
Was approved right away, never denied.
Wishing you a speedy decision.
ronatchig
(575 posts)The difference between a good one and a bad one is in the form of a check at the end.
XanaDUer2
(14,602 posts)with the ssdi lawyer he referred me to. I was hoping there'd be help with the actual application.
2naSalit
(93,435 posts)With the help of an advocate at the clinic I go to. That lady knew exactly what to do, say, fill out forms and when to expect things to happen. I suggest looking for someone like that, maybe at your local senior center, even if you aren't a senior. For me it was, in some ways, easy since I had her to lean on. The hard part was living in my car for ten months waiting to be approved.
So the advocate lady helped with the online application and we called the nearest Social Security office to ask questions. It's pretty complex so having help is worth seeking out.
After that you will be given an interview date, which can take place over the phone. Once you have the interview, it generally takes 90 days for a response, meanwhile you may receive additional forms to fill out and they could come from your state instead of SS.
You absolutely have to have medical backing and proof like MRIs or whatever shows your condition. They may not look at it until after the 90 day waiting period.
At the end of 90 days you will get a rejection notice. Immediately request a medical review and make sure all doctors who can affirm your condition. This starts another waiting period of a minimum of six months after which you will be contacted again.
Many have to go to court after this point, which is when you start to consider getting legal representation although I know of some who represented themselves and won their case. I was fortunate in that, since I was homeless, my case was expedited. It took exactly 90 days for the medical review, they called me on a Saturday to inform me that I had been approved since the MRIs made my case for me.
Note: You cannot work or have any kind of income during this period, have to be out of work for at least a year when all is said and done, which is how I ended up in my car. It's hard to get through the process but once you're there, it's better.
Best to look around for someone to help with the application, the lady who helped me also does insurance counseling at the clinic.
Good luck!
XanaDUer2
(14,602 posts)my issues are psychiatric. I have short term disability insurance thru work. Then after 90 days where I work it turns to ltd. It's so stressful and overwhelming
2naSalit
(93,435 posts)In the process. You won't need an attorney right away and may not need one at all, like me.
If the issues are psychiatric, ask you therapist, or whomever you see, to help you and maybe help find someone. Also, when the questionnaires asking about your daily life, make sure to let them know you have issues with memory, it matters for this. Mine is physical but having PTSD helped. I wasn't getting counseling at the time I decided I needed to apply but my GP had me get assessed by the mental health lady and she set me up with counseling which I still get.
XanaDUer2
(14,602 posts)I do have memory issues that's good to know too stress that. Yeah, I'm bipolar, borderline, extreme anxiety and depression. I'm 55. I get very disheartened by this entire process and wonder should I even bother sometimes, it seems so overwhelming
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)And in Wisconsin when Walker was Gov,it was a bitch to say the least. Contacted a old College Freind who lived close by and had Worked in the State Department of Health and Services. She was able to short cut the process and had him covered within six months. In the meantime,he survived on the local county Welfare system.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,180 posts)I answered their questions and gave them permission to get all my medical records.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(26,840 posts)Some years ago I worked for an attorney who did Social Security Disability appeals, and I learned a lot.
I think the basic thing that most people don't understand at the outset is to what extent EVERYTHING needs to be documented. Much of my time with her was spend at a local Social Security office photocopying records. Inches thick.
Something else to understand: No, they don't automatically reject everyone's first claim. Most people simply don't get it right the first time around. But, if you go blind (as happened to my brother) you will get approved immediately, first time out.
For what it's worth, if you get denied the first time or two, contacting an appeals attorney, like the one I worked for, is the right thing to do. For one thing, their remuneration is limited, and you basically won't lose anything. For another, they won't take your case unless they feel that it's winnable. I often listened in to her side of phone calls from potential clients, and learned a lot from that side, especially the ones she turned down. She always said that this was her opinion, and they should certainly check with another attorney. But if even two attorneys turn you down, you probably don't have a case.
Good luck to you.
XanaDUer2
(14,602 posts)I've applied and have a great lawyer
AllaN01Bear
(23,309 posts)u have the right to appeal. be prepared to do this yourself because none of the fancy lawyer houses wont help u. voice of experiance here . good luck.
Demsrule86
(71,033 posts)Demsrule86
(71,033 posts)everyone...you have to get to the appeal process in federal court...document you disability and make sure every medical procedure is documented...it took us a year but we did win in the end.