New member.

I was lucky enough to have applied and then approved within 3-4months. I was shocked as I'm in my 30's. It's awful how hard it is to be approved. It's like they tape the applications to the wall and throw a dart to see which one it hits.

I was told that the last year, and most importantly, the last 6 months carry the most weight.

Don't know if it's true, but it would make sense.

The problem is that the system is so clogged up. There are soooo many people applying, appealing etc. And not all of the people who apply for it, actually need it. So trying to weed out those people takes up resources.

It's unfortunate but there really is no separating legitimate from illegitimate, whether it's pain management, or the government etc.

*waving*

Hi ya, Findthedoor. It's good to have you here. And it's good to know that you're coming with a wealth of knowledge that could prove to be very helpful. Welcome to the board!

DianeB,

Thank you for the welcome. I am sorry for your long term struggles and hope for positive luck going forward.

I do want to say a couple of things while also not wanting to ever accidentally steer someone the wrong direction. So please check anything I say against your long time business experience and common sense.

First, as I'm sure you know, your physicians definition of total disability may not meet soc sec definition so be prepared to bridge that gap if needed. Because of horror stories of lost documents even after they are in SS's hands I highly encourage all folks to protect themselves this way;

Copy anything and everything, period. One copy for your ongoing file, one to take or mail to SS. Then fax what you take or mail. Staple the fax confirmation to your copies and file. Leave nothing with your local office they don't give a receipt for.

You may be sending or delivering multiple copies and some will call it overkill. It is not, it is self defense. I was concerned by the several weeks ago on the paperwork. Don't let a deadline get past you. That throws control back to SS. You want control and them to know you are totally prepared.

Call for that appt to get your help. I expect them to be very professional but if they give you grief just remind them how proudly they advertise they will assign someone to help you with paperwork.
If you need an attorney, ask your WC person if they are experts at SS disability representation. If, not you might consider a specialist in that area.

Sure wish you luck.

Having some experience as an insurance adjudicator I can tell you the most important things to do get SSDI on the 1st try without having to pay an atty 25% of your money.

1) Make certain you have the proper work credits
2) Find the code number for the specific SSDI category you will qualify for & work back from there
3) Provide complete medical documentation supporting your disability under that code
a) a detailed but 1 page only - letter from a physician supporting your claim is great - again it must support a specific SSDI medical code
b) test results, consultations, imaging DVDs & other support criteria supporting your specific claim, the most important being the most recent 3 months, then 6 months, then 12 months, ad infinitum.

If you put in the effort before you apply for SSDI and even before leaving your last job to prepare your application you can get SSDI in 3-6 months on your own with no attorney. This is applicable to 2015 even with the backlog & heaps of unemployed wishful thinkers.

If you submit your SSDI application the day after you leave your last job you can plan a budget which may help you survive the transition to SSDI.

Being disabled by any definition other than the very specific SSDI code does not count. Help the adjudicator do his/her job by making it easy to direct the path of medical records directly to the specific SSDI code that incudes your disability & you will succeed.

People think they're lucky when they get SSDI on the 1st try when in fact its a simple matter of good preparation. Don't leave a messy trail of breads crumbs, connect the dots for the adjudicator to the end point , the very specific SSDI code you qualify under.

Hope this helps.

Diane, mods do not delete posts unless there is something in the post that is against forum rules & the member refuses to delete it.

Thnx Susie. It musta gotten sucked into the black void..