SSDI Applicant

Hello everyone! I applied for SSDI(01/2013), and SSI(05/2013). I was diagnosed in 01/2013 with Major Deppresive Disorder and Anxiety, and on 07/2013 I was diagnosed with OCD. I have been to 2 psychiatric hospitals for short stays and have been receiving therapy at the local mental health clinic consistently since 01/2013. I see that a few people on this thread receive SSDI or SSI. Can anyone give me some feedback as to me having any chances of getting approved and/or how much more I would have to wait? I have had 5 different anti-depressive medication changes and am not getting any betther. I have not worked since 03/2012. I have heard that it is now more difficult to get on SSDI/SSI due to government cutbacks...Thanks for your feedback!

I don't know specifically your chances and I'm sorry about that. What I do know is the wait is long for a reply and a lot of people have to appeal. So if you don't get approved on your first try, always try again. Are you claiming disability since 1/2013 or since you stopped working in 3/2012? If the later, you are entitled to back pay since that date if you get approved or otherwise, back pay from 1/2013. SSDI/SSI is so finicky--you honestly never really know who they're going to approve the first go round and who has to appeal to be honest. But try to be patient it does take a while. You might want to give them a call since its been almost 11? months since you applied just to see the status of your application. And if you have any more records that would help your case, tell them you'd like to submit them.

Did you fill out the paperwork yourself or have your doctor assist you (I mean with a note or psych records)? I was approved, but I submitted all of my psychiatric records from both outpatient and inpatient.

I'm sorry this is taking so long for you.

If you haven't reported any health events that have happened since you applied, it would be very wise to do so.

Other than that, it would be difficult to give you a good idea. sorry

I was approved my first time for SSDI. I know that was lucky. I was told success had a lot to do with the experience of the pdoc who did the paperwork.

Good luck.

Hi blueparakeet

Thanks for replying and for your encouragement! I'm claiming disability on the application since 06/2012, but I started getting documented therapy on 01/2013 when my family forced me to get help. I don't know if they would approve me for retroactive to that date since there is no documentation for that date. I submitted the SSDI application online, and had a telephone interview for the SSI application. I submitted the names and telephone numbers of all the psychiatrists, licensed therapists, hospitals, mental health networks. I have called/been in contact with the disability examiner assigned to my case on a monthly basis and I have made here aware of the additional doctors/therapists, psychiatric hospital stays, new medicine. I have been receiving therapy, treatment through 2 different mental health networks and the examiner informed me that they have received all the requests from them and from the hospitals that I have had treatment at. I have seen about 4 different psychiatrists, about 10 different therapists, have been to 2 different psychiatric hospitals for a few days, and have had 5 different anti-depressives in that span. Last time I called her was about 10 days ago and she said my case is awaiting evaluation by the SS doctors. I know I can be waiting for a long time and there is no guarantee of being approved but I will continue. I haven't been denied yet. I will get an attorney if I'm denied. Thanks for your feedback and your concern!

Hi reesecups

Good for you! How long was it from the application to your approval date? What kind of diagnosis did you get approved for? Thanks

I wanted to add Nick77Denver, I was approved on the first go round, but I filled out a paper application and sent a stack of records I got from the hospitals and the psychiatrist. I didn't even ask my psychiatrist because I wasn't sure what the doctor would say if I wanted to apply. I think what helped too was right before I applied I tried to work at a job and was fired within 30 days after my employee eval--that they gave me a copy of and I sent in too. But I don't know if I mentioned it in my previous post, but make sure you update them if something new occurs--like another hospitalization, failed med, etc--anything that might help.

Hang in there.

blueparakeet

Thanks for sharing your experience. I did mine online and through the phone and I'm hopeful the records are complete. I have been updating my disability examiner. Would you mind telling me what year you were approved on? Thanks for your words!

I'm not sure what you mean by year. I was approved in 2011 and found disabled since 2008 but only got back pay since 2009, since it's a two year max. I was approved because I have bipolar disorder.

Ok, 2011. Thanks for responding, sharing. How many months/years did it take you to get an approval? Thanks.

Coming late to this thread - but thought I'd respond in case it helped other. I was approved on first try. No attorney assistance. Took three months.

I have been battling BP disorder for several years but refused to accept the diagnosis, in part because I work for the large hospital/teaching university where I get treatment and I had paranoia about confidentiality. I have had 2 hospitalizations in past five years, also sought treatment at a local clinic to stay off my employer's radar. I now see a Therapist and Psych Doc regularly.

I am losing my job in April, per my employer. I simply cannot stay stable anymore and I cannot focus. I miss all sorts of details and my error rate is nearly triple that of my coworkers. I telecommute, so I work from home. I have a very difficult time with fluctuation social anxiety/agoraphobia and PTSD/anxiety attacks.

I will begin the SSI application after I am fired. I will be hiring a legal firm to handle my case. My uncle (who successfully filed & was approved his first time around for the same diagnosis) recommended the firm.

Of course this all heightens my anxiety to no end. I am trying to keep from going mad with worry about the future. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!

did denver get approved?