[*Beth*]

Hi, I filed for SSDI in November of 2018. I received the expected denial letter, so I hired a lawyer. I believe I have very good chance at receiving SSDI...I worked at the same job for 13 years, have been in continuous psychiatric treatment all of my adult life, including seeing the same pdoc for the past 3 years.

I have not yet received a date to see a judge. My lawyer says I probably won't have that date set until May of 2020 (and the actual date will most likely be somewhere between June and September).

So I'm looking at not receiving benefits until likely at least December of 2020. That will be a full 23 months since my initial application.

For those who receive or are applying for it, is that amount of time for an SSDI case normal?

[~Christina]

From my initial filing to appealing the denial and to my court hearing and being approved took 3.5 years !! Yes I received a lump some from the day I first filed minus that pesky 5 months they withhold.

My husband when he had to file due to physical reasons of course denied, we used the same lawyer I had. My husband had further medical testing and our Doctor immediately sent it in and we got a letter maybe 3 weeks later he was approved. We lucked out he didn’t have to go hearing as they were booked out almost 2 years.

Each state has a backlog and it really varies. Tennessee has an enormous back log

We have a friend that lives in Alabama he got his first denial as expected , he got denied his appeal and he had a court date for his hearing approx 12 months after his initial filing. He was lucky.

Hopefully when your lawyer appeals the denial you will be awarded SSDI

[*Beth*]

Thank you for the info, Christina. 3.5 years is outrageous. Sheesh.

[bpcyclist]

Beth, that time frame sounds about right for what I went through, too. So sorry.

[*Beth*]

Thanks the each of you. It's ridiculous, the time frame. But mostly, I just want to be sure that my lawyer is on top of things. It sounds like she is.

[bpcyclist]

Does anyone here know why they always seem to just mass-deny every single person irrespective of their story on the 1st go-round? Is that, like, some big strrategy to just slow-pay everybody who is qualified and string us all along?

[Nammu]

I got mine the first go-a-round but that was back in the eighties and my doctors filled it out for me. It was my doctors who encouraged me to apply. I have physical problems as well as mental so that may be why.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

Does anyone here know why they always seem to just mass-deny every single person irrespective of their story on the 1st go-round? Is that, like, some big strrategy to just slow-pay everybody who is qualified and string us all along?

They know that a large % of people won’t bother filing an appeal

My husband has severe neuropathy and that is one of the “ approved diagnosis” to be awarded SSDI but as expected he was first denied and was awarded on his appeal.

I feel the government in general just wants to drag things out in hopes people give up or die. Anything to avoid paying someone money that they have already paid into the system.

[sophiebunny]

When I applied for SSDI I was institutionalized. The hospital staff filled out the paperwork. My guardian signed it. I was approved in 8 weeks. It just depends on your circumstance.

[sarahsweets]

I was fortunate and got approved in 10 months. I didnt want to hire a lawyer so had to do it on my own. This was like 15 years ago thought so things are different now.

[Tamster]

Hi,
i was on ssdi in the eightys and got on that right away, came off ssdi and worked for 12 yrs and reapplied 7yrs ago and was back on it in 5 months. I don't know if it is because of the state or the DX makes a difference. My doctors filled out forms and sent letters both times I think hearing from the ppl caring for you helps.
PM me if you have any questions.
Warmest regards, Tams

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Tamster

Hi,
i was on ssdi in the eightys and got on that right away, came off ssdi and worked for 12 yrs and reapplied 7yrs ago and was back on it in 5 months. I don't know if it is because of the state or the DX makes a difference. My doctors filled out forms and sent letters both times I think hearing from the ppl caring for you helps.
PM me if you have any questions.
Warmest regards, Tams

How kind of you. Thanks!

[Wild Coyote]

I do think the backlog in each state has an impact upon the lag in approval.
I also think the decisions, which are based upon the evaluations by and recommendations of the state's "Disability Determination" offices also determines what happens to each claim. If these disability "specialists" feel a claimant's condition is severe, they will very quickly approve the claim. Any condition not considered "severe"is open to "interpretation," which can mean having to go through a hearing , etc.

Best wishes to anyone involved in the application/appeals process.

[Mountaindewed]

I’m waiting to hear if I get recertified. I was just certified again a year ago but I guess Trump is doing something where some cases have to be frequently recertified. I do work but I don’t make a lot. It’s nerve wracking waiting to hear back from them and they wanted my job to fill out paperwork and I have no idea what any of this means. It’s really scaring me and one of the main big reasons I’ve been in such a bad mood since Thanksgiving.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I’m waiting to hear if I get recertified. I was just certified again a year ago but I guess Trump is doing something where some cases have to be frequently recertified. I do work but I don’t make a lot. It’s nerve wracking waiting to hear back from them and they wanted my job to fill out paperwork and I have no idea what any of this means. It’s really scaring me and one of the main big reasons I’ve been in such a bad mood since Thanksgiving.

Oh no!
I feel for you.

Yes, something is awry with the SSA's SSDI review process.
My claim had originated in the '80's. It was completely different then. I remember the interview I'd had at the SSA office. It was incredibly pleasant!
The SSDI claims rep. had me sitting at his desk with him, we were drinking coffee and just shooting the breeze once we were done with the paperwork.

It seems more hostile now. The SSA office I have to go to looks like a prison. It is a huge room, high ceilings, GRAY paint on all o f the walls. Absolutely no windows. The SSA staff are all protected from us with cement walls and glass. The glass is at their windows. They sit on the other side of the glass and talk., type, etc. There is such a tiny crack at the bottom of the glass, in which to pass paperwork, I could barely get just 10 pages through.

The whole environment and the experience was very inhospitable, very depressing, almost dehumanizing.

I have quite a story to tell re: my dealings with the SSA this year. I may get to it sometime. Right now, I am too busy appealing errant decisions made by the SSA, as well as reporting more info. to governmental and other agencies. (AKA Filing complaints) It is a nightmare.!

I am sorry for the angst involved in claim reviews, Mountaindewed. !
Hang in there!

[sophiebunny]

See if your psychiatrist will make a phone call to the SSDI evaluators. Nothing works better than getting an emphatic phone call from the treating physician.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by sophiebunny

See if your psychiatrist will make a phone call to the SSDI evaluators. Nothing works better than getting an emphatic phone call from the treating physician.

My lawyer told me that the system is so backlogged because there are only 2 judges for 2 very large and highly populated counties.. Even so, it seems that two-plus years...I can't help but wonder if there's a way to move things along more quickly. Your suggestion is excellent. Thank you!

[sarahsweets]

Hey @BethRags: I just had to go through an arduous review after many years. It was nearly as involved as the initial application so I am familiar with all the paperwork and options that they ask you. This was a year and a half ago. PM me for anything if you need help wording things or questions.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by sarahsweets

Hey @BethRags: I just had to go through an arduous review after many years. It was nearly as involved as the initial application so I am familiar with all the paperwork and options that they ask you. This was a year and a half ago. PM me for anything if you need help wording things or questions.

Thank you so much, satahsweets!

[neverending]

I got on ssdi in the early 2000s. I filled out yhe paperwork on my own and received approval 3 months later. Never had an interview. Never had to get recertified. I did happen to be back in the hospital when my approval came through. I don't know what all the differences are about but I also had both physical and mental conditions.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by sophiebunny

See if your psychiatrist will make a phone call to the SSDI evaluators. Nothing works better than getting an emphatic phone call from the treating physician.

The SSA is supposed to put a lot of weight on whatever the treating physician(s) say/report. The SSA sites still say they do this. However, they are NOT doing this where I live. In fact, the paperwork from the SSA which announces their decision on the medical part clearly says that your own physician(s) played no part in making the determination(s).

The disability determination unit in my state does not want my doctors' input beyond written records and/or summaries. The disability doctors in my state are WAY out of control. They think they know better for the patient than does anyone's own treating physician(s). I feel they are abusing the power of the position they with the SSA..

Please do note that anyone may call your US. Senator and any U.S. Representative and can tell them you have a case with the SSA and ask them to contact the SSA on your behalf. I have seen them do this, telling the SSA they have an interest in the person's claim and are keeping an eye on it.

Additionally, these representatives have an interest in whether or not a governmental office/program is serving the needs of the people.

Feel free to tell them your story.

I know it is all very frustrating!!!

I hope we can all help one another navigate this "unhealthy" system.

My Best!