Posted 6/17/2016 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
True, no point applying for SSD or SSDI unless you are fully unable to work.
If you do qualify or think you might, do yourself a favor (I had to learn this the hard way), engage the best SSD attorney in your area, even before you apply. They can "test" your case and will let you know if its winnable. And it won't cost you a cent to find out. They all work on a contingency basis, and they get paid a set percentage, depending on what is on the books in your state. Never a cent out of pocket. If any lawyer asks or hints for money, run away. It won't be legitimate.
Expect to be turned down on the first pass, very common, unless you are missing arms, legs, eyes, etc., or if you hand them your head in a basket. There is a short list of medical conditions that will pass on the first try.
Let the experts handle the paperwork between you and SS, will save you a lot of time and trouble.
I had to do it myself (stubborn false pride), and as a result, took me 3 years to get my case settled. Good thing, the lawyer's made more, as SS had to pay me back to the start, so my initial check was huge, even considering the attorney's cut. And, I had already served my waiting period for Medicare.
So on the day I was approved by a judge (my lawyer wasn't even present, it was a surprise to her too), I was already approved for immediate Medicare benefits.
So far, my experience having Medicare has been excellent. I have never been denied anything. I see the doctors I want, the specialists I need, and all my meds have been covered. I have had over 11 operations and procedures under Medicare, and in most cases, have owed little to nothing by the time the insurance and the provider settle things.
For me, its been a good experience, not one doctor has ever refused by coverage under Medicare, and that includes expensive MRI's and other scans.
If you got a case, go for it, that's what its there for, but let a lawyer handle it.