And if you're still trying, how long have you been trying?

Pls only for people in the states. I love everyone, but I think it's different in Canada and European countries.

[thelostone]

it took me two and a half years

[Polibeth]

It took me about two years

[Hellion]

Around 2 years, maybe a bit over...its a bit hard to remember.

[~Christina]

2.5 years using a lawyer.

[Yoda]

I applied in Feb and was approved in Sept. (I had not been able to work since preceding Sept) My employer hired an attorney to help with the paperwork.

[Steiner of Thule]

Like 2 years. Still haven't gotten though so it's whatever. I'll probably fail the trial too.

[sabby]

It took me 5 months, no lawyer, filed on my own, first pass through.

I don't think that my short time for approval is usual in the grand scheme of things. I think, the fact that I'm older and had worked all my life was a help in the determination.

The other thing that helped me get through it so quickly was making sure that I filled out all the forms correctly, explained my issues explicitly and stayed on top of them to make sure the paperwork was received from my doctors in a timely manner.

I found a thread from our sister site, Neuro Talk to be of great help and importance in filing on my own. Here it is - Don't start your claim unprepared!!! - NeuroTalk Support Groups

There are a couple of other threads that you may find helpful as well.

Wishing you all good outcomes with your cases!

It can definitely take a long time but I can't say how long. I'm not sure how long ago I applied. Maybe 2 years. My claim was denied. Appealed and denied. Then a hearing with an ALJ. I won according to my attorney. That was three months ago. I haven't heard anything since the hearing. My gf sent me this link: Disability Judges | ODAR Offices | Home
It isn't very encouraging I'm sorry to say. Oh one bright spot... the judge who heard my case told the SS representative he didn't understand why I had been denied in the first place. It's an odd (and overworked) system and I'm not sure there is always method to the madness.

[Fresia]

I have heard of it being a couple months in some cases, literally as few as 2 months, or it could take as long as a couple years in others, or somewhere in between. It just depends on so many factors.

[jen29]

It took me about 4 months...this was a long time ago....16 yrs ago when I was 19. I feel quilty for getting it as fast as I did because so many others take at least a few years. My social worker basically filled out everything.
Hugs

[Forget-Me-Nots]

I'm still at it, this month will be month 7 in reconsideration stage hopefully I will hear something next month. Considering that is how long it took for my denial for the first stage.

[krisakira]

It took me 3 months and I did it all on my own, online. Got it the first try. Mind you, it is SSI, not SSDI.

[Blue_Bird]

I got SSI in 3 months, on the first try. Was really surprised at how fast I was approved.

Thanks everyone for responding.

Keep 'em coming though.

[shortandcute]

For me, it's been almost three years, well in November. I applied in November of 2011. I went through the whole reconsider and whatever process, and kept getting denied. I finally broke down and got a lawyer in June of 2012, who appealed my case. We went before a judge in August of 2013, and I got another denial from the judge last November (2013). My attorney appealed right away, but I haven't heard anything since.

Originally Posted by shortandcute

For me, it's been almost three years, well in November. I applied in November of 2011. I went through the whole reconsider and whatever process, and kept getting denied. I finally broke down and got a lawyer in June of 2012, who appealed my case. We went before a judge in August of 2013, and I got another denial from the judge last November (2013). My attorney appealed right away, but I haven't heard anything since.

We live in the same area I think. I don't get it. I know of ppl that are on disability that function just fine. But for those of us that really need it, it takes forever. For me it's been 18 months. I have a lawyer. They keep telling me that in 4-6 wks I should get a hearing. It's ridiculous...

[lilypup]

Took about a month from filing the paperwork to going to an interview in person. (Had an attorney). Had my interview on Friday...was called Monday to say was approved. Took maybe six weeks to get a check. Not sure why I got lucky. Also was approved for private disability insurance. That took longer but got it.

[shortandcute]

Originally Posted by sunshine1995

We live in the same area I think. I don't get it. I know of ppl that are on disability that function just fine. But for those of us that really need it, it takes forever. For me it's been 18 months. I have a lawyer. They keep telling me that in 4-6 wks I should get a hearing. It's ridiculous...

I live in Washington state. I noticed in your bio you stated your location was the NW, so I assumed it meant the northwest. I wonder if some places do take longer, because of whatever reason. But, yeah, I've seen people who get it who are obviously not disabled and get it right away. One reason I was denied this last time is because sometimes I walk for about 10-20 minutes. Yet my neighbor, who goes on 10 mile bike rides and works out at the gym all the time, got it in a heartbeat because occasionally her back hurts. She also is taking classes all the time and is hardly ever at home because she is involved in so much stuff. Of course, I don't mean that she should not be doing anything, but it's amazing that I can't get it because I allegedly "do too much" for someone who is disabled, and I can't even do half the stuff she does and am in worse shape than she is.

[RTerroni]

I first applied in October 2010 and I'm still trying to get it.

[Hellion]

I think it also takes longer if you don't have a lot of medical records to prove your condition, then they also seem to look for any reason they can find as to why you're not disabled even if you are....but I think having a heavy amount of medical records and what not helps speed up the process.

I was still working on getting more information on paper after I initially applied, still got denied and had to have a hearing....judge didn't seem to question that i needed the SSI though especially after consulting a psychological expert or whatever my attorney had as a call in witness or whatever....basically said I had ongoing anxiety/depression issues, PTSD, aspergers syndrome/autism/PDD-nos(different records have it listed differently) then traits of avoidant personality disorder and have lots of difficulty even with normal stress which can cause deterioration of mental state/functioning so essentially even if i could work for a time I still would not be able to sustain any employment due to that.

Lots of medical records help, if you don't have a lot you still have a chance but it will likely take longer......also do not try to minimize your difficulties in any way, you want to actually describe how difficult it is to function due to the problems you have and why it would prevent you from having a job.

One reason I initially got denied is because I told the SSI doctor they sent me to that I ended up indulging in quite a bit of drug use around the age of 20, when I was dropping out of college due to stress and PTSD issues but then tried to make it sound like I was ongoingly abusing multiple substances and that is what was the cause of current problems......which was a load of crap but no less that was a reason they came up with.

Originally Posted by RTerroni

I first applied in October 2010 and I'm still trying to get it.

Sorry it's taken so long. if you don't mind me asking, what are your diagnosed with?

Originally Posted by Hellion

I think it also takes longer if you don't have a lot of medical records to prove your condition, then they also seem to look for any reason they can find as to why you're not disabled even if you are....but I think having a heavy amount of medical records and what not helps speed up the process.

I was still working on getting more information on paper after I initially applied, still got denied and had to have a hearing....judge didn't seem to question that i needed the SSI though especially after consulting a psychological expert or whatever my attorney had as a call in witness or whatever....basically said I had ongoing anxiety/depression issues, PTSD, aspergers syndrome/autism/PDD-nos(different records have it listed differently) then traits of avoidant personality disorder and have lots of difficulty even with normal stress which can cause deterioration of mental state/functioning so essentially even if i could work for a time I still would not be able to sustain any employment due to that.

Lots of medical records help, if you don't have a lot you still have a chance but it will likely take longer......also do not try to minimize your difficulties in any way, you want to actually describe how difficult it is to function due to the problems you have and why it would prevent you from having a job.

One reason I initially got denied is because I told the SSI doctor they sent me to that I ended up indulging in quite a bit of drug use around the age of 20, when I was dropping out of college due to stress and PTSD issues but then tried to make it sound like I was ongoingly abusing multiple substances and that is what was the cause of current problems......which was a load of crap but no less that was a reason they came up with.

Well as far as I know, I have tons of medical evidence. I hope my attorney has gotten ALL the records...

When I call to find out they just say 4-6 wks til a hearing. I haven't even met my attorney. The assistants just say that there is no point in meeting with him til the hearing...

[RTerroni]

Originally Posted by sunshine1995

Sorry it's taken so long. if you don't mind me asking, what are your diagnosed with?

ADHD and Asperger's

[UnderRugSwept]

hi sunshine1995,

I applied for disability a little over a year ago; I was denied the first time and denied in reconsideration (my lawyer said that always happens in my state unless you are literally dying...I have plenty of medical evidence and my application was complete.) The paperwork was submitted for a hearing request at the end of 2013. I am currently waiting for the hearing date.

You really should be able speak with someone BEFORE your hearing so you can know what to expect. I know my lawyer is meeting with me to discuss things like attire, what questions may be asked of me, etc., before the actual hearing. Can you call again before your hearing and push to speak with your attorney?