SSDI Re-Evaluation

Hello,

I have an examination/renewal upcoming in CA, where I still maintain an address/residency thanks to a close friend of the family. I have spent the past 10 months overseas, where, I am attempting to move/obtain a job.

up until September of 2014, I saw my Therapist weekly (last in-person appt. was mid-August 2014 but am scheduled to see her mid-July when I return to the US.)

I guess my main question/concern is, since I have not seen a therapist while I have been overseas, is that reason to disqualify me? Therapist and I have been in constant written contact (via email) during that entire time but it appears as though SSA doesn't recognize that as being 'seen' by her since the consultation did not occur in-person. She has filled out all of the necessary paperwork and I am inclined to think that she did *not* tell them, "all good, he's cured!"

(fwiw, I grapple with Major Depression and PTSD.)

Sorry if this is a tired subject, I didn't want to hijack anyone else's thread.

Also, even though I am aware of the flexibility of receiving SSDI in the country where I intend to move, I am hesitant to inform them of that because I fear that in today's economy/present state of SS that they are looking for any reason to cut me off.

After perusing the site it seems others have undergone these same stressful uncertainties though I have not really read much in the way of renewal vs. declines (I read on DisabilitySecrets(dot)org that the renewal rate is 95% but I am having a tough time believing that.

Thank you for any insight...

p.s. letter said:

"Your appointment is on [date] with PRIORITY ANALYSIS."

Is it unorthodox to be required to do a face-to-face? Is this because I am overseas with a US address and they're testing me to see if I really still live in the US?

I'd think it would be normal if they're doing a revaluation that they'd expect you to be there. For my initial application I had to be seen by their doctor (and that was a joke, but I digress). So if they are reevaluating it sounds normal, not like they are trying to play gotcha with your location.

But it usually does not work out well unless you have your own doctor, and a lawyer. Good luck.

I don't know much about the mental illness part of ssdi but YES, you have to see the doctor they are sending you to or they will cut off your benefits. Also, you need to see your regular doctor at least every 6 months in order to keep your benefits. Perhaps telephone appts might be ok if your doctor is willing to state that. I would call her. but if you are claiming to be disabled by depression I would expect they think you should be seeing the therapist on an ongoing basis so you can 'get well'. Depression is not usually a life time disability. They expect you to get help, therapy and drugs that will make it so you can work. Also, if you can work in that other country, why can't you work in this country?

I know nothing so sending hugs

thank you everyone for your feedback... i am operating under the assumption that i will be cut off so as to fluff the landing... via my therapist, seems as though SSDI will only consider in-person appts with therapists to count as treatment (which is ludicrous IMO as i'd be lost without the weekly, sometimes multiple times weekly interactions that I have with her.)

I am unclear if the impetus for my claim is related solely to one or both of Depression/PTSD. Due to Rx I take for Grand Mal seizures (Dilantin) and the dangerous interaction it has with behavior-modifying drugs, I have been strongly advised against taking anything to combat Depression/PTSD. It's been a long road. Even the mere sound of a fork dropping down on a plate accidentally sends me through the ceiling. (I have replaced most silverware with hard rubber/plastic forks, spoons.