[BadWolfC]

I've been struggling to come to terms with the fact that I probably can't work anymore, and one of my options right now is to apply for disability benefits. I've been in treatment for 10+ years, so I have plenty of medical records to back up my claim. I'm just not really sure where to start.

Have any of you dealt with applying for disability before? What is the best way for me to go about applying? Anything I should watch out for? Any other advice?

Thank you in advance.

[leejosepho]

I did my best at trying to work until at least 62, but I was only 60 when I told my boss I just could not do it any more. My physical troubles were chronic back pain and puckered retinas disturbing my vision, and those greatly aggravated my ever-increasing issues of stress, anxiety and depression.

I made my initial application for SSDI in an interview setting at the local SSA office, then went online and added a disability statement of my own. Looking back, I would guess there must be a better (more thorough) way to get an application rolling. Maybe through a doctor would make sense, but the doctors I had asked had told me they do not do that.

After my case had been opened, some appointments were made for evaluations...and I was ultimately told I did not qualify. I have heard most people get turned down and must make an appeal (through an attorney who ultimately gets a significant percentage of the initial payout) and where some additional information (something new) is needed for trying again. The attorney I had talked with had told me I had no chance of being granted SSDI, but then he told me to make a request for an appeal date after I had been hospitalized in a medical ICU for a few days. Even after that he still told me I had no chance, but we proceeded anyway...and it turned out that a substitute judge my attorney had never before met granted my request right there at my appeal hearing.

My point: Each case is different and considered on its own merit while possibly also being subject to the mood, temperament and/or leanings of the judge who makes the determination. My judge was very thorough in being certain everything she did was done properly and with precision as far as all rules and regulations were concerned, and then she turned to me for some question-and-answer conversation while observing my attorney's skepticism alongside my having been able to provide some additional answers and documentation I had brought along even though my attorney had previously said those would not be needed since the judge would likely not even look at them. And so, keep in mind that attorneys are typically just high-priced clerks (actually working for the court so you cannot later say you did not get a fair hearing) and you are the one responsible for being certain the judge sees and hears everything you want considered.

[qwerty68]

I applied and was turned down because my eligibility ran out in 2005 and I have nothing to show that I qualified then.

The best way is to get all your documentation, apply online submit your docs and wait for the initial letter. A letter stating your issues can be useful. Here is an example template.

I would hold off on getting a lawyer until at least your first denial letter, if you do get denied. There is really nothing that a lawyer can do in the application stage that you can not and disability lawyers have a huge incentive to drag your case out as long as possible as they get a percentage of back payments. However, it is probably a very good idea to get a lawyer for any appeals.

Be honest, but do not try to minimize how your issues affect you. When I went through the VA disability process I used the worst day in the last three months as well as an average day to use as a basis to answer questions. If you get sent to a medical exam, don't miss it. That will sink you. Of course, do not exaggerate anything or lie.

[IrisBloom]

I applied over the phone. They sent me forms to fill out and I did not have to go anywhere, except to the library to get copies of documents. Call your local office and they will give you the correct number to call.

[Misterpain]

I am on compassionate disability , they still tried to stone wall me , the judge had the last laugh on this one he not only agreed I was disabled , he ruled I was obviously fighting like hell to stay on the job , if they had not of stonewalled me it would have been cheaper on Social security because he ruled my date of disability was 2 years before I applied ( that is rare) but cost them an extra 2 years of back pay , the one thing to remember is attorneys have a field day on this (everyone is an expert at it even if they just got there degree) find a real expert someone who has been doing it for many years before it became an easy source of money ,they are the real experts who will protect and defend your interests. It's like my pain management Doctor who has been doing pain management for 40 years , long before it looked cool after your name and M.D , they can only collect a certain portion of your back pay if they win your case so a lousy lawyer is going to cost the same as a great one , so make sure you have the great one .

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by Misterpain

the judge...ruled I was obviously fighting like hell to stay on the job...

My judge saw something similar in my own case along with learning my employer had given me an hourly-pay raise to help keep my pay up when I began working fewer hours...and I know all of that helped her reach her decision right there in the courtroom that day.