[NuckingFutz]

I am filling out my forms and also contacting laywers about SSDI. How long does the process take (with out without an attorney)?

I'd really like to get some income going and with my pet food bank, my bank account is fast dwindling.

Advice, suggestions, experiences anyone?

[sabby]

Hey NF,

I wish you much luck in applying for SSDI. You will probably get all kinds of responses as to how much time it takes to receive SSDI. There are a lot of variables with each individual.

I can tell you that it only took 5 months and I did not need an atty. I filed all the paperwork myself. It's extremely important to fill out your paperwork completely and fully explain what you jobs have entailed physically/mentally and why you cannot do them anymore. The more info, the better!

Here are some links to our sister site, NeuroTalk that I found to be totally helpful:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread148967.html

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread120255.html

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread367.html

It's also a good idea to stay on top of your doctor's offices to make sure they file the paperwork in a timely manner to SSDI. I know that's one issue that can stall their decision if it's not received quick enough.

I consider myself to be one of the real lucky ones to not have to wait more than the 5 month period. SSDI says it normally takes 3 to 5 months for a decision. Unfortunately, there are so many who wait much longer than that for a decision and have to jump through hoop after hoop during that time.

I think what was key for me to get a quick decision was my age. I'm 56 and anyone 56 and older seems to have an easier time because they feel that age plays a big role in their decisions as well.

I wish you much luck in your application process and determination. It's stressful to say the least, but hang in there....

[nicoleb2]

I was pretty lucky too. I can't remember the exact number of months, but I was approved quickly, and on the first try.

[newtus]

same. on luck.

i got approved in 2 1/2 months with no atty.

[NuckingFutz]

*UPDATE* I haven't even finished filling out the paperwork yet! (I'm doing it on my computer. I already received a rejection because I "do not have enough credits to qualify for benefits".

So basically, the past 20 years don't count I guess because I haven't worked the past 5 years. I guess it's time to start the good fight and put everything in that appeal from the time I first farted in my diaper.

Wish me luck.

P.S. In getting information to fill out this claim, SSI and the IRS were more helpful and nice to me that the "screeners" at the 2 atty's offices I called. One even had a commercial on it that said "don't let people intimidate you about your SSDI benefits". So I called them, and they intimidated me.

No one at the attorney's office would talk to me at all because I didn't have enough credits. Please!

i got approved for ssi in about 3 months, but i changed my number and didnt notify them , thats why it took longer, they couldnt get ahold of me. and i moved, thats why. supernatural. extraterrestrial.

[NuckingFutz]

I read through their b.s. about working credits and how they don't count after the past 10 years. I am going to submit the total work history (have to get a copy from the SS office (ironic isn't it). I will ask them to consider my prior work history pre 2002.

Going to put all this together this weekend and submitted it on Monday. I visit all my docs this month, so I can give them a head's up that I will need their help in getting my medical records together.

Should be able to submit properly on the 21st of this month, will put down everything I can remember with the records I have over the weekend.

Thank you all for the feedback.

[newtus]

my comment is probably not helpful cause i have SSDI under the 'Disabled Before 22' special rule.

[NuckingFutz]

All of your responses have been helpful.

Memory is so bad, I can't think back 10 years on my employment history (I use to work through a lot of temp agencies and had lots of different temp agencies to work for).

I finally found an atty to take my case. Working together via phone (they are not in my state). That's kind of a good thing because I hate dressing up, getting on the bus, and they talking to an attorney then a bus ride home. That takes like 1/2 a day.

Another piece of good news is that I should (depending on how long this process will take), have enough backpay to be able to get a reliable car.

Keep you all posted!

[Midnightmoon]

What is a disabled before age 22 rule?

[newtus]

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify10.htm#age22

A child under age 18 may be disabled, but we don't need to consider the child's disability when deciding if he or she qualifies for benefits as your dependent. The child's benefits normally stop at age 18 unless he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or high school (benefits can continue until age 19) or is disabled.

For a child with a disability to receive benefits on your record after age 18, the following rules apply:

The disabling impairment must have started before age 22, and;
He or she must meet the definition of disability for adults.
Adults Disabled Before Age 22

An adult disabled before age 22 may be eligible for child's benefits if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. We consider this a "child's" benefit because it is paid on a parent's Social Security earnings record.

The "adult child"—including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, or step grandchild—must be unmarried, age 18 or older, and have a disability that started before age 22.

[catrules]

I also got lucky and got benefits as soon as I was eligible. I used an agency to help me with all of the paperwork. They were wonderful and took care of everything. It was a blessing because at the time I was applying, I was very ill.

[cranberrykin]

Well.....I am going to be as honest as I can, but I applied for SSDI in November 2011, I was denied once, now I filed an appeal and still have not received a decision. I was told by my attorney that they are really behind right now because there has been an increase in claims I guess. So, technically I have been waiting for over a year for my decision. Initally, I received the denial in February or March of last year. So, it took about 3 or 4 months to get the first decision. I wish you luck and don't give up.

Thanks.
Renee

[vanessaG]

Glad to hear an Attorney took on your case.
I too, was approved the 1st time in about 5 months. I was sure i was gonna get the denial letter. I read what was needed when i was filling out the forms and also did a lot if research on what ppl did that got approved.

On my form i went wayyyyy above and beyond what info they wanted! The person that got my application was probably like what the hell...

I made copies of everything, got job history and went back a lot further than they asked, the questions, i wrote SO much I had to use back side of paper, i mean it was to the point that they probably cldnt ask for more cause i already provided/said it!

Also i had/have really good Dr.'s that fully supported me. My Pdoc faxed over what he needed to right away and so did my T.

My old neighbor used an attorney and she did the same, but she sent it to the ppl that were helping her and I guess they sent what they thought would be helpful in....

Best of luck to u...