signed up for disability

[seajoy]

Yesterday, I was interviewed by phone, for disability. I had filled out a portion of the application online, but finished it by phone. They told me it's 3-6 months until I find out if I'm accepted.

Has anyone else gone through this process? How difficult is it? Do I even have a chance?

My issues are from a shoulder injury (dominant side), also fibromyalgia and ocd/depression/anxiety. I haven't worked for 2yrs.

Thanks for anyone's input or advice.

 

[Winona]

Yesterday, I was interviewed by phone, for disability. I had filled out a portion of the application online, but finished it by phone. They told me it's 3-6 months until I find out if I'm accepted.

Has anyone else gone through this process? How difficult is it? Do I even have a chance?

My issues are from a shoulder injury (dominant side), also fibromyalgia and ocd/depression/anxiety. I haven't worked for 2yrs.

Thanks for anyone's input or advice.

My husband went through the process last year. He was approved after about 6 weeks.
I think they say 3-6 months to be on the safe side, and also if they need to request additional information from your doctor.
My husband being accepted was a shoe in, since he is completely disabled and will only worsen. His doctors wrote there is no chance of improvement and he could never work again.
I don't know what your chances would be. Did your doctor state that you could not work at all for a least the next 12 months?

fyi...If you are denied you can appeal it afterwards.

 

[BigNorsk]

A men's fibro group that I follow has had a lot of discussions about disability.

Somehow I think the process is almost the screening to see if you are actually disabled. People will say they are disabled and can't function, yet they fill out the forms perfectly, by themselves.

Finishing your form over the phone actually confirmed what you were saying, so I suspect you won't have too much trouble.

One bit of advice a lot of the guys had was that you don't focus on things like the fibro but on that you can't do things.

The biggest thing is persistence. It's not that unusual for the men to take over a year to get approved, but if they persist, almost all do get approved eventually.

If you get two turn downs, it's likely a good idea to get a lawyer who does disability claims.

Marv

 

[seajoy]

A men's fibro group that I follow has had a lot of discussions about disability.

Somehow I think the process is almost the screening to see if you are actually disabled. People will say they are disabled and can't function, yet they fill out the forms perfectly, by themselves.

Finishing your form over the phone actually confirmed what you were saying, so I suspect you won't have too much trouble.

One bit of advice a lot of the guys had was that you don't focus on things like the fibro but on that you can't do things.

The biggest thing is persistence. It's not that unusual for the men to take over a year to get approved, but if they persist, almost all do get approved eventually.

If you get two turn downs, it's likely a good idea to get a lawyer who does disability claims.

Marv

Thanks, Marv. I didn't finish the form online because it was just too stressful for me.

Thanks for the heads-ups on the men's fibro group and what happens when they have applied for disability.

As for persistence - I tend to give up easily because of my anxiety. I will need support if I get denied. I pray that doesn't happen.

 

[One day at a time]

Well, I know that I don't have what you have and don't mean to put extra anxiety but I am still working on mine. I applied after my neck surgery back in Oct 2007. I was denied almost immediately...I also had the phone interview. I got myself a lawyer right away b/c I was going to be going through back surgery also. Filled out many forms and have been denied the second time and so I am appealing for my third.
They told me that because I could move my arms and legs I could go back to my normal job--I was a teacher. I can't talk more than a couple of hours b/c of scar tissue in my throat, neither can I sit or stand for very long without being in a reclining or lying position. ( I am fused from my L3-S1 with screws into my pelvis to anchor it all)
Also they told me b/c I have an education that too was a factor. I can not even tell you how mad I was!
So needless to say I have been out of work now for 2 years and am still in the process but I'm not giving up!
I pray that your process is better than mine.

 

[RuthD]

I have signed up for SSI and got it in 3 mos. I know you need enough documentation of your illnesses and maybe a letter from the doctor who you need to get the disability. I hear now it takes longer now but mental health issues that interfere with working or functioning seem to get approved faster. It's up to you if you want to get a lawyer. He or she will get a percentage of your first check. Your check will be totaled for all the months you waited. Best of luck to you.

 

[seajoy]

I did get a lawyer. I've been told it will take 2yrs to get a hearing.

 

[RuthD]

Yesterday, I was interviewed by phone, for disability. I had filled out a portion of the application online, but finished it by phone. They told me it's 3-6 months until I find out if I'm accepted.

Has anyone else gone through this process? How difficult is it? Do I even have a chance?

My issues are from a shoulder injury (dominant side), also fibromyalgia and ocd/depression/anxiety. I haven't worked for 2yrs.

Thanks for anyone's input or advice.

I went through the process and was non functional because of bad depression and other problems with stress. I had lots of doctors documentation that helped. My psychologist at the time wrote SS a letter saying he thinks I cannot work and need lots of therapy. I was approved in 3 mos.

 

[pumanator]

2 yrs!?!?!?! that's outrageous...we pay in all our lives but when we need it they give us the run around. My brother is going through the process and knows in advance he will need legal help, that is just so wrong. The day may come for me as well but I will have to be just about bed ridden 1st...not very humble but maybe that's my whole prob...we will be praying for God to kick open the doors, it's all His anyway.

 

[seajoy]

Yep, 2yrs. I'll let you know if anything happens sooner.

 

[One day at a time]

I was told the same thing when I started the process. Except after being denied twice they then tell you it can take up to a year to 18 months. So next month is my year.....and I could have to wait all the way to Sept. We shall see!!

 

[pumanator]

I have heard of ppl not only hiring an attorney but also checking in with their congressmen and senators about the stonewalling. They take it from us all our lives and then forget who's it is when it's time to pay it back...like pirates, man, I tell ya you have no idea how much this makes me steamed.

 

[RuthD]

I did get a lawyer. I've been told it will take 2yrs to get a hearing.

That is quite awhile but happens here to. My friend waited 2 years to get it. I pray that you have all that you need in these times.

 

[peacedweller]

i pray your ssd is quick for you. the speed of your hearing can depend on location. just so happend i'm in the worst state, the most backed up in the country.

it took 3 1/2 yrs for my approval. i haven't received any cash benefit yet...that could be another 3 month.....have recieved my medicare card but, not the one for prescriptions.
i too, have a lawyer. couldn't have done it without her!!
have many years of medical records from several different doctors, specialist, as well as psychiatrist, therapist, etc...dating back to the early 90's.
chronic daily migraines, fibro, ptsd, depression,anxiety, tmj neuralgia,ibs constipation....the list goes on.

all i know for sure is, put your trust in Jesus.

 

[One day at a time]

I've got a praise on my disability......I finally got a hearing date....June 10th!
So now am nervous as I will have to go in front a judge! Yikes!

 

[One day at a time]

I've got another praise.....Had my hearing yesterday....in less then 15 min. I was out and had a favorable decision. I only had to answer two questions
I was so nervous I thought I would die!!
But God was good...now.....we wait for it to start!!

 

[seajoy]

Congratulations!

I just had to fill out more paperwork, so the lawyer said my case may be coming up soon.

 

[One day at a time]

I pray it goes quickly....don't get discouraged with the wait....I think that they do that to see if you will give up! For me I was bound and determined to wait it out!

Plenty of paperwork, repetitive paperwork.....but keep at it! Will pray for you!!