[gina_re]

A few of you may know, but I went ahead and applied for SSDI. I knew it was going to be a long process. But I'm breaking down now. My bills are accruing and I don't have enough to pay them. I knew things would be cut off and disconnected. I was prepared for that, but it doesn't make it any easier. I'm situationaly depressed at this point. I sleep as much as I can. I contemplated going IP. However, I called the person handling my case and he told me that he has yet to receive anything from my tdoc. Which is crazy to me because he told me he received something from them and will fill everything out at my last visit. Meanwhile everyone else has submitted my records and he's holding on to them.

I initially didn't get an attorney just for the fact that I wanted to save the money. But now that I know he is ignoring my phone calls and emails and not sending my records, I have decided to do so.

Those of you that have been through this process, how did you get through it? I don't even want to be awake. I dread each day that I wake up now.

[raspberrytorte]

Before I got SSDI I was freaking out about it for five months straight. I understand your situation! It's so hard to wait. I needed it so bad too. I'm sorry you're struggling right now.

[lilypup]

gina,
this is just what happened to me...it may not apply for you. But these are some ideas.
1) I got an attorney from the get go. I was in no mental condition to handle everything myself and to keep it moving along. I always had someone to call to ask about my case.
2) Instead of sending pdoc and tdoc my paperwork and expecting them to fill it out, I made 45 minute appointments with each of them and sat with them while they filled it out. They were able to ask me questions while they filled it out and I could take it right with me to turn in.
3) I never had to see a judge, but I did have to have an evaluation by a psychologist. One key thing she asked was "Whose idea was this to get disability?" Apparently, if it was your pdoc's idea, it was much more valid than if it was your idea. (Don't ask me why.)
4) I was teaching third grade at the time and was off on a leave. I was psychotic and seeing things. I told the lady "My biggest fear is seeing something that's not real in front of the kids. I'm afraid I might panic." This seemed to throw her a bit.
5) I have heard over and over that you really need a long history of records with both pdocs and tdocs. Hospitalizations also help. I had all that, but don't know if it's true or not.
6) I also heard that having a long work history is a plus. Don't know if that is true.
7) Also heard being older makes you much more likely to be approved. (I was 55.)
I was approved in three months. Since I didn't get a lot of back money, the attorney was pretty cheap.
We were also incredibly lucky when someone told us about the private disability insurance that my school district carried. I also qualified for that.

It can be really tough, I know, but it went okay for me. It actually was scary how fast and smoothly it went. Just made me realize how sick I was. Not a good feeling.

[bioChE]

Gina, I don't have any experience to share but my heart goes out to you right now. I can't imagine the pressure it puts on you, and having all day every day to think about it must be torture. Good luck with getting an attorney.

[hopeless2015]

I don't have any experience with this either but know I'm thinking about you, sending big hugs. Pm me anytime!!

[Guiness187055]

Don't give up keep on fighting.

[Sunflower123]

i hired a company that specializes in disability because I was way to sick and foggy headed to handle the process. My process took several months (I don't know why) but the reason given for disability was MDD and GAD. I have since been diagnosed with bipolar 2. For some reason, my case went before the judge and he said he would make an on the record judgement if I would accept only 75% of the back pay I was entitled to. It had taken so long and we needed the money so much I immediately agreed.

Have hope. My dad went to an attorney for my brother and he got disability in less then 4 months. Hang in there. I know from experience it gets rough. Thinking of you.

[Tkb1966]

Hi Gina. I tried to apply for disability on my own but I was in no state to do it on my own. I got an attorney (strangely I think I got his name off this forum when I use to come here a while back). You really do need to get an attorney. Being through the process I couldn't have done it on my own and my attorney was really nice and knew what he was doing. I didn't really have to do anything. Just show up to see the judge and he was right by my side.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I applied in my own and was denied. I then hired a disability attorney. He did everything. I didn't have to do anything in the appeal and I was approved quickly. His pay came from my back pay so it didn't really affect me much. If I had to do again I'd still use an attorney. Much less stressful.

I also got no where with my disability application until i hired a lawyer thru legal aid. He settled the case in eight months. It was for private disability and i'm Canadian tho. I remember the tremendous pressure i was under and i really feel for you. I became destitute as well. Hang in there. Getting disability changed my life. It's so much easier to manage my mental illness now that i don't have to worry about money. I hope you have the experience of some of the other posters here with a speedy approval! PM me any time!

[Unrigged64072835]

I was denied the first time. I got an attorney and my military medical records (that showed I've been dealing with MI for a long time). I was approved. It took about six or seven months. I also had a statement from my PNP at the time.

[gina_re]

Thank you all for your responses. The one law office I was in communication with today told me since my case is already with the disability determination office that it's a wait and see case by now. As far as my tdoc office and my records, I went up there to find out. Since the practice is so tiny, I didn't get too much info. My T is apparently only in a couple of days a week as well as the office manager. Neither was there today.

It's just the waiting that is so bothersome. The plunging into debt, having my credit destroyed, and having services disconnected while I wait, that's hard. My mind wonders. Depression settles in and tries to take over. Regret fills my mind. My mind is going dark and my mom is a ray of sunshine trying to keep me positive. She is actually going to move in here again, this time on much better terms, to help me out. But she had to break her lease and won't be here until mid September.

Random thought, does having more than one diagnosis make a difference? I also have GAD on file.

[Cocosurviving]

I had to re-apply a few times. The first time I was denied so I obtained an attorney. With the attorney I had to go to court. It took a year before the court date. I lost my case. I was told I was too young (38 age) and educated (B.S. degree). I waited six months and re-applied again (no attorney). I won my case. I applied for food stamps and Medicaid during this ordeal. I was let go from my job. I was able to get unemployment for one year. I paid all my necessity bills (rent, utilities, car insurance and car payment). I stopped paying my credit cards it just was not possible. After a year I moved to my birth state and lived with a family member. Now that I'm on SSDI I no longer get the stamps and Medicaid. My income is too much. Me and my daughter have our own place. Good luck to you

[gina_re]

Originally Posted by Cocosurviving

I had to re-apply a few times. The first time I was denied so I obtained an attorney. With the attorney I had to go to court. It took a year before the court date. I lost my case. I was told I was too young (38 age) and educated (B.S. degree). I waited six months and re-applied again (no attorney). I won my case. I applied for food stamps and Medicaid during this ordeal. I was let go from my job. I was able to get unemployment for one year. I paid all my necessity bills (rent, utilities, car insurance and car payment). I stopped paying my credit cards it just was not possible. After a year I moved to my birth state and lived with a family member. Now that I'm on SSDI I no longer get the stamps and Medicaid. My income is too much. Me and my daughter have our own place. Good luck to you

Were you working the first time you applied?

[Cocosurviving]

Originally Posted by gina_re

Were you working the first time you applied?

No I was let go from my job in May 2012 and applied for SSDI in Nov 2012. I started receiving unemployment around July 2012 it ended a year later. I never worked after that job.

Do you have a talent like doing hair? I wish I did. I would love to have a side job. Let me know if you have anymore questions.