I was one of the lucky ones. I was granted disability services without having to appeal. I know that this is very unusual though. Everyone was warning me & preparing me to appeal, so I was kind of shocked!

My case didn't come up the the review board for several months after I applied. I'm thinking 5 months or so? From there, they asked for a few things. I can't recall what kinds of papers (it's been awhile) though. I did have several issues ~ I remember that. After a couple more months, I then received the news that I was approved based on the long-term effects of my untreated E and brain surgery. My long fight with major depression was the other determining factor.

In all, I started getting money from SSI (due to large gaps in work, not enough $income on record) 8 months after I applied. Had my work years been consecutive, it would have been SSDI.

Of course ~ it's worth repeating 50 times...everyone's S.S. experience is different. Each case is looked at individually, taking all factors given into account.

Many of us have been in the same predicament. We need to work, we need the money and/or health benefits! However, we also can't handle working. It is REALLY hard to make it through that time ~ damned if you do, damned if you don't. That's just the way it is every time. I never figured out any ways around that predicament. I just did the best that I could, moment by moment.