Anyone SSDI?

Hey, I have been through the first rejection and filed the appeal. I was just wondering if anyone out there is doing this, has gone through it, or could use information on the process. I know my limits, and I know I will never be able to work full-time, I will just enter crisis after my energy runs out. I want to work part time and still be independent, and SSDI people don't seem inclined to help, despite the nature of their publicly-funded bureaucracy. Anyone have a good resource or anything to add?

If you, after reading this are thinking of giving me the: "You're a degenerate who lives off welfare and 'hard-earned' taxpayer money" speech... save your finger-muscles. I've heard it, I don't care about the stereotype. I know what will help me have a good life. I don't care if your "fiscally conservative" scruples are crossed. My happiness and success is more important than your views, so, save it, potential hater.

The rest of you, have a hug!

Hire a lawyer and let them take 20-30 percent backpay. 1st rejection is common and it usually takes 2-3 years for acceptance. I heard getting ssdi is harder without a lawyer.
(Lawyers may ask for more...)

There is a forum on here that deals with ssdi/ssi/finances with some members who have a lot of knowledge about the process.

I havent experienced this. Good luck!

Confused beat me to advising you to hire an attorney.

From what I've read on other forums [fibro in particular], it takes 2 or 3 tries to get approved, so keep at it with a good attorney.

I have not done it but at some point looked into it. Usually people file by themselves, without a lawyer, get the first rejection, which is more than common, and then hire a lawyer for the appeal.

I'm going through this now and have been rejected twice which my lawyer said would happen but yeah I recommend getting a lawyer he is taking care of everything for me for 20 percent back pay. It's the best way to go .

SSDI is not welfare. SSI is welfare. SSDI is insurance. The I in SSDI stands for Insurance. You paid into SSDI when you worked. You have earned it.

Hello,

I went on ssdi this year. My lawyer took 25 percent back pay which is standard. You need all your medical documents in order and it helps if a pdoc will vouch for you. Remember the paperwork only pertains to how your MI affects your job. With the recession they have reported white collar ppl trying to get on disability when their unemployment runs out. I don't tell ppl I'm on it bc I have heard some lame $&" remarks towards my situation. PM me with any questions.

Good Luck,

TnT

I hope you will be approved. ECT is serious treatment and I hope it "looks good" on the application.

I'm not to worried with what looks good I'm just trying to get better and need a little help. But I know what your saying.

Exactly. ECT is not like taking a little AD here and there, which is something tons of people do. It is serious.

I'm on SSDI myself also. I went on it in August of this year. Its not much but it helps. I've been thinking about ECT myself.

Im dealing with this also. I am awaiting a court date. I did hire an attorney. I think the wait time varies between states. My state averages 2-3 years, another state an hour away averages 12 months.

Good luck

I know this thread is not about ect but if you do it there is nothing to it really they knock you out with a short acting sedative they used brevital on me and toroidal for headache and you don't even know what's going on. I recommend it as it helped me a good bit.

I've gone through all this just had my hearing and am waiting for the approval/denial from them.
I highly recommend you get a lawyer for the appeal. They are a big help. I don't recommend legal aid because with my experience they were no help at all.