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Posted 10/28/2009 2:43 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, I have a hearing next week before the ALJ for SSI and I am a nervous wreck.  I have social anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.  I have battled this for many years and I applied for SSI a couple years ago.  I have been waiting for 2 1/2 yrs for the hearing date and I finally have one.  Does anyone know what I can expect at the hearing or any advice?  I have such a hard time putting into words the way I feel and explaining it to people.  Thank you!

Posted 10/28/2009 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on SSI, but I didn't have to go to a hearing. I applied, they rejected it, I reapplied and they granted me SSI. From what I heard, they always reject you the first time. Then most of the time the second time they don't. Just the way the bureacracy works.

If possible, have someone there you know with you. It sounds like you might need someone who knows about your condition there, so that they can explain it. I know when I have a panic attack, my IQ goes down about twenty of thirty points. And sometimes I just can't grasp what someone is talking about. I used to be different, but now I'm rather stupid all of the time, not just when I am having a panic attack.

If you can't get anyone to go with you, then remember to breath. Long slow breathes. Do some walking before hand, if you can. That usually relaxes me some.

Sorry, I can't be of anymore help.
Posted 10/28/2009 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear blue eyes they approved your ssi. I waited 2 years they denied me, then applead that and this past oct 3rd they denied me again so I reapplied with a different lawyer. My husband went to the hearing with me but my lawyer said he would not be able to go in the room. So ot lovingmykids to me it was scary I couldn't explain like I knew my husband could it's like I hade a out of body experiecne in there, like blue eyes said BREATH AND TAKE IT SLOW!! Now I'm starting over again Blue Eyes U have any ideal how long this one will take, and the 3rd try U think they will give it to me?


depression, anxiety, psusedoseizures or non-epelitec seizures
Posted 10/28/2009 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry realife, I have no idea how they work. My suspicion though, is that you are having a hard time of it because you are using a lawyer. Lawyers seem to mess things up, more than they help. Just my stupid opinion. Though feel free to share my thoughts with your lawyer.

I do remember, my head going light, feeling sick to my stomach, and not being able to concentrate when I was talking to the Human Resources guy at the place I used to work. And I knew him. Going in front of a bunch of strangers and explaining what is wrong with me, makes me have a panic attack just thinking about it. Had to stop and breath some just now.

The way I see it, the worse lovemykids71 does in the interview, the better. If they see how badly lovemykids71 does in an interview, maybe those knuckleheads will see the wisdom in giving her/him the SSI.
Posted 10/31/2009 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
hi lovemykids,

I too am on SSI, and like you I had to wait 2 1/2 yrs before getting a hearing with the ALJ. I had mine this past July and I was a wreck too, but it is not as bad as being in a real courtroom.

You should talk to your lawyer a few before the hearing and they should be able to give you how things are going to go. I can tell you about my experience, but I am not sure if all hearings are the same. For mine there was me, my lawyer, the ALJ and a vocational expert present during my hearing. The lawyer and the ALJ did most of the talking and the lawyer presented the evidence on why I was not able to work from my medical records . Other than that they just ask you questions about why you are not able to work, and what are your symptoms at their worst. You just have to be yourself and tell it as is.

Olivia
Posted 11/1/2009 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
sorry am unfamiliar with ssi and alj. my compassion to you. sounds real confronting. here for you. maybe someone can explain. keep strong. jamie.
Posted 11/1/2009 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks!  I can't wait to get it over with.  Hopefully I'll be able to make it through the hearing without passing out! 
Posted 11/1/2009 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Jamie,

SSI is supplemental security income. It is like disability. I don't know what the other one means.

I hope that you are feeling better. You have been in my thoughts a lot lately.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 11/1/2009 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
The other one is Administrative Law Judge.  I really appreciate all you help everyone!!  My hearing is tomorrow and I have major butterflys.  I just hope they'll see why I can't work and approve me.  It's so depressing getting denied, as if I'm not depressed enough already.  I have an attorney and am hoping he does most of the talking.  Does anyone know if you get approved how long it takes to start receiving checks?  And is it true that you receive your back pay in 3 installments 6 months apart?  Thanks again for all your help,

Vic

Severe Depression

Panic Attacks

Social Anxiety

Agoraphobia

Posted 11/1/2009 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
lmk71. hoping you get approved, i am on a disability pension here in australia. some people here in australia go to a govermnent panel of drs. because of my severity and because my consultant psychiatrist was the best in australia i did not have to do this. everything is crossed, sounds very scary, be you and tell them exactly what is and has been happening. take some notes. my healing compassion to you. jamie.

ps karen, slowly getting there!! hoping you are well also.

Posted 11/1/2009 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the advice. I am going to take some notes with me in case I forget something, or everything. When I get nervous and get panic attacks I seem to forget everything and become dumb!
Posted 11/4/2009 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
lovemykids,

How did your hearing go?
Posted 11/4/2009 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
I won my hearing! I am so glad its over.  I was so nervous and when I went in the room with the judge and witnesses I started seeing stars and blinking lights.  I thought for sure I was going to pass out but I didn't.  Everything went well and the doctor that was there testified that I am disabled.  It's been a long road but I am glad its over now.  Now I just have to wait and see how long its going to be before I start getting checks.  Does anyone know how long this takes?
Posted 11/4/2009 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
I am not sure how long it takes for the checks, but just wanted to say that I am so happy for you.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 11/4/2009 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much Karen!!
Posted 11/4/2009 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
lovemykids71,

I am so happy for U that U won your hearing, I know it's been along road, I acutually got on line to vent. The people from disabitly called and wanted me to fax some papers well my husband acted like it was no big deal didn't fax the papers, I won't leave the house so the papers are sitting here. Could U tell me alittle what U went through so I can see is it still the same as when I went and got denied. If U don't mind me asking what is your disability? An a doctor didn't come in the room with me uum.
Posted 11/4/2009 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
I have mental and physical problems.  I have social anxiety, depression, bipolar, panic attacks, and then I have a bladder disease and recurrant abdominal hernias.
Posted 11/5/2009 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you lovemykids71 glad U won
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