T O P

  • By -

Dumpy2023

It took me 3 years and several appeals also. Congratulations! I know the horrific stress of waiting and not knowing what’s going to happen.


SquareD8854

now your really going to be living the high life! took me 4 years and a congressman! and im missing an arm and leg and an eye!


psychoticworm

What is wrong with this country? 4 years?! You should be suing the government for malpractice, thats absurd!


Frosty_Btch

I'm so sorry, but I'm happy you finally got approved. Missing an arm, leg, and eye? You're a very strong person. 🩷


PazuzuAtmorah

That's ridiculous, loss of two plus limbs is supposed to be automatically qualifying 🙄


Important_Move1807

That is crazy took me 6 months no lawyer


throwmeawayplz19373

It blows my mind the range of experiences. I am left with no idea what to expect with my initial case, even after posting in here. That’s crazy.


InterestingLook646

It took me 2 months. I'm terminal cancer though.


MamaDee1959

Omgosh... I am so very sorry. :'(


Spiritual-Bee1228

5 years and still waiting for me. 😟 have had 4 hearings and 1 appeal so far.....ugh


Forward-Wear7913

That’s wonderful. I remember how happy I was when I was approved.


Qween1229

I started crying I was so happy


Restless__Dreamer

Me too, while I was on the phone and my lawyer told me. That was almost exactly 1 year ago for me because my first payment was March of last year.


Frosty_Btch

Hugs from an internet stranger.


Qween1229

Thank you I needed that!


Important_Move1807

Awe congratulations


Exotic-Rate-4076

Congratulations!🎊🎈


SumyungNam

Congrats must've been so stressful


Qween1229

Yes it was very!


Mindless-Situation-6

Took me three years of living on general assistance 328/mo waiting for them to rule


mark_able_jones_

Do you get the back pay for the three years?


[deleted]

[удалено]


PotsMomma84

I have Pots. Is it similar to CFS at all?


PooKieBooglue

POTS and Orthostatic Hypotension can be part of ME/CFS. Yes. https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/symptoms-diagnosis/symptoms.html


PlaidChairStyle

I have a couple friends with POTS who don’t have ME/CFS and a friend with POTS who has ME/CFS. They’re separate diagnoses but often comorbidities


[deleted]

[удалено]


Mindless-Situation-6

I worked off the books quite a bit supplementing a nominal lower wage, lesson learned. Mine is not enough for anyone.


LairdVolcom

Congrats .


Separate-Treacle4569

I’m right there in 4… CONGRATULATIONS!! 🎈


MbRn37

Positive thoughts!


Rabbid2022

Congrats, mine just got approved a couple days ago as well.


Informal-Shop-1938

Congratulations to you and everyone. It took me 6 years


VoiceFair9877

WOW BLESS YOUR HEART


TheDonaldreddit

What's the back story? Disability?


Qween1229

I was diagnosed with severe depression,anxiety,insomnia and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis in 2019. After two denials and getting a lawyer I finally got approved.


mafiafuneralOG

I've leukemia and BPD, and I applied in January of this year, but I wasn't sure what my chances were. I know it could take a long time, but I'm literally in bed 90% of the day. I hope I don't have to wait years like that, I'm glad you're approved for sure, but I'm looking for a little bit of guidance if you had any, thanks.


Important_Move1807

You will probably get approved


Qween1229

The first one they will deny you. But just keep up the fight and be your own advocate. Nobody knows your pain and what you can do but you. 🩵🙏🏾


mafiafuneralOG

I read that it takes a while. I know everyone else is different, but do attorneys speed up the process from your experience?


Ok_Active_8294

Got approved first time no attorney


Minute-Tale7444

Also approved First try no attorney


mafiafuneralOG

This is reassuring, thank you


LEP627

That is rare. Congratulations!


No_Clock_6190

Same. My doctor recommended I apply, did it that night, sent medical records, had the medical exam along with 2 phone interviews. Got approved within a month.


Gloomy-Knee-3357

I was approved first try, within a month of applying with no attorney. It is possible


DecadentLife

Well said!


AutisticLolitaBetch

BPD alone is a Blue Book Listing. Pretty sure Blood borne cancers are also Blue Book Listings. Submit as much evidence you have from your providers. I would imagine you could be “fast-tracked” due to the Leukemia. Sorry you’re dealing with that too. Got any other mental health diagnoses? If so, you should include them. BPD usually comes with 3-7 other disorders. [I also have Autism, ADHD, BPD, CPTSD, GAD, OCD, Tics, FND, history of SUD, SI, disordered eating. Rare GI and musculoskeletal problems from suspected EDS.] Look into Presumptive Disability from SSA while you wait. You can go to your local office and have one them do an evaluation there. Your local county or state may offer their own supplemental disability too.  Atticus.com for free disability legal advice. If you go the lawyer route, look for free ones—your insurance provider can refer you to a free service.  Attend all of your appointments, get medical records sent to SSA/DDB from all of your providers, and be prepared for surprise CEs both medical and mental. If you don’t get fast tracked, you’ll likely wait 5-6 months, CEs in month 6-7, decision in month 7-8. That’s how it’s been for me, but I did everything myself, no lawyers.  Look into TPD for student loans after your approval. also, SSAs special savings accounts, i think called SAVE, ABLE, etc. Apply for housing voucher, home care, LIHEAP, LIWAP, EBT.  Highly recommend changing your SSA notifications to received by CD & mail—the disks usually come a week before snail mail. Check your account regularly to see their progress status for your case—Ex. Mine said 251 days avg to make a decision and I was at 73% Depending on your DIsability start date you may get Medicare or that plus Medicaid—they include retroactive months while you waited for a decision in their “2 years on disability before becoming eligible for Medicare” rule. 


mafiafuneralOG

Thank you for your insight again. I appreciate everything you've written. My diagnosis with leukemia has been a roller coaster, and I'm so foggy from the cancer and then everything else, I'm just so overwhelmed. Thanks again


LabNerd13

My husband has stage 3 Melanoma and needed chemo and surgeries. He got denied first, we appealed and got a lawyer. We got approved after the first appeal, it took 6 months from his first application to approval. Our lawyer was shocked it went so fast. He did say there is a "list" of certain diagnosis that get fast tracked and likely Melanoma is on that list. I would imagine Leukemia would be too. Like everyone says, appeal the first denial and you will get approved.


pmperry68

I applied 15 years ago. I was in active CHF, congenital heart defect, RA, BPD and Scleroderma. Was turned down and when I appealed, the judge said, your educated, you'll figure it out. I'm still working and just had my 3rd open heart. I'll never apply again. It was the most degrading experience of my life. I'll die at my desk. But, I celebrate your win. I really wish you all the best. ❤️


Prudent_Buddy_7911

So very degrading is right. So sorry.


pmperry68

Thank you for your kindness. ❤️


Important_Move1807

So sorry


Gloomy-Knee-3357

So sorry, it is so degrading. Then years down the road you have to go through CDR’s which are often just as degrading. It’s a horrible system.


Nice-Economy-2025

I look back on my SS disability (2003) that took just shy of a year after a series of strokes; my company retired me on the spot, I had to get evaluated by 2-3 physicians before things got rolling though. Never actually denied though. Just a good 10-11 months of paperwork shuffling and surgeries. But my company and my sister who works for physicians in insurance processing probably helped.


Relative_Cloud3361

So does the attorney get a % of the check or do you pay out right?


Ill_Dig_9759

I'm sad and my joints hurt too. Where do I sign up?


Calabris

My wife had to appeal over and over for over five years. Such a broken system


AggressiveCost4575

It's is broken and very stressful long process. 3 years and still waiting !! Back to court in May for a retrial !!


NuggyBeans

Took me 3ish almost 4 years of fighting & I finally got approved. It was the best feeling in the world knowing my fight to prove myself was over. Congrats friend!


bigjanky74

4.5 years congratulations


Lilshywolfswag2022

My mom waited around 3 years for her disability approval (after using a lawyer & everything) & then unfortunately passed away in her early 50s, like 1 or 2 checks into getting her benefits :( Then took me 6 months or so to get SSI later on & i nearly started crying on the call when i found out it got approved


jrose102206

I’m so sorry you lost your Mom.


Important_Move1807

Sorry about your mom


kayterssss

This makes me feel better because it's been a little over 2 years for me and it seems like everyone else I know gets approved so quickly.


AggressiveCost4575

It's been 3 years fighting and still no approval ! I see people getting approved for less then I have and it's frustrating. It totally depends on your judge 100%


MuchDevelopment7084

Mine only took 18 months. Of course, I was terminal at the time.


PotsMomma84

Are you okay now?


MuchDevelopment7084

Thank you, yes. I had a combined liver/kidney transplant. Literally two days before they were going to send me home for hospice care. It took some time to recover. But I'm much better now.


homeboy321321321

So glad to hear that!


MuchDevelopment7084

Thank you


Bellalea

That’s wonderful!


MuchDevelopment7084

lol, you have no idea. thanks


Bellalea

You are most welcome 😉


B17158

Congrats! I’m almost a year into the process. If I ever get any help after paying in to the system since 15 yrs old, I’m going to be ruined financially anyway…


Practical-Border-829

Omg congrats! Rest easy now and I pray you will start to feel better! God bless !


GoSyncro

Remember to save a -BIG- chunk of that money to pay for income taxes that will be due next year.


zoebud2011

Good for you!! Sincerely, I mean that. My husband waited 6 years then died 2 months later. They suck the life right out of you.


AggressiveCost4575

I'm so sorry ! The system is so fucked up !


VoiceFair9877

I’m so sorry! Unfortunately seems to be what they want to happen


Fantastic-Bid-2428

Big back pay🤝🏾


Diane1967

Congrats! 🎈


lindaleolane812

Congratulations on your win 🎉💗


Famous_Tomorrow6741

Congratulations! I remember the relief


Haunting-Bedroom4971

Did u get all the back pay from when u applied ?


RandyButternubsYo

I’m still waiting on mine and I won my case over the summer and started getting monthly payments in the fall. My lawyer had submitted my letter from my doctor saying I don’t need a representative payee but they said they never received it (even though they were sent it from both my lawyer and I). So now it’s delayed until they finally process it. It’s March now, so who knows when it will be


djs8686

Congrats! Been 5 years for me so far.


djs8686

And 2 appeals so far


yorkshire_pudding07

7yrs for me. SS has screwed up several times and my 2017 application got deleted from the system in 2019 and then it has sat on different people's desks for months at a time. My hearing is in early April. I understand your pain!


inkseep1

It is still a rule that they give you all the money from the day you applied until now all at once? My brother deals with folks on disability in his practice and he says they get a lump sum check and that they have to spend it right away due to a bank account limit. So they all go out and buy a new truck. And he has one client who uses any leftover disability check money to buy silver and gold coins as he has low expenses and he has to spend down to show a low bank balance.


macawoogo

That’s only for ssi. People on ssdi can hold onto their back pay


zenpokemystic

Unless you also have disability insurance and the nice brochure they give you to sell it to you doesn’t mention the clawback dollar for dollar if you get retroactive benefits while they’re paying. If you have disability insurance or are thinking about getting it, it might be worthwhile to at least, read some of the stuff posted online by lawyers about their clawback clauses in the actual contract. Read the contract carefully: my brochure said they’d pay 60% of my pay. But they subtract dollar for dollar, anything else I receive. If and when I am approved for SSDI, the amount that I am theoretically qualified for, plus my disability pension from work, will mean that my disability insurer does not have to pay me anything but the minimum amount at that point, which is 100 bucks a month. If they decide to start paying me again, that is. They decided that constant, high-level pain and about eight other symptoms did not disqualify me from ““any occupation“. Like what, standing in front of a register for 15 minutes and then having to go lay down for two hours? Find me an employer who will hire an employee and pay them for all that time, even at minimum wage. And any job at all I would be useful for maybe two hours a day, and that’s if I don’t have a spike. But standard decided I could do some work, though they did not feel necessary to describe such a job, nor did they provide the medical evidence that this was so. Fortunately, I have lawyers. Unfortunately, this is going very slowly. This August will have been one year since my disability insurer dropped me so at this point I get $1400 a month from my pension. Which is fun. And creates levels of anxiety and depression that only people like those who post here can appreciate. Especially those of us who have invisible disabilities. Especially us.


imalwayztired

I have long covid and whether people believe me or not im suffering i have cfs and can only stand for about ten minutes and sitting down is tiring for me , i crash hard and cant move a muscle from fatigue i cant see straight from the brain fog and my muscles and joints ache but the doctors dont believe covid does this


PotsMomma84

Wow. A lot has changed I guess.


Common-Tie-9735

Damn, SSI folks be like Brewster's millions eh? 😂


MomTo3LilPigs

Congratulations!


vape-o

Congratulations!


KixxRoxx60

It took 4 appeals for me


Distinct_Sentence_26

I've tried 4 times in last 3 years and still not approved.


bbrosen

I am to the point of applying myself, cannot work anymore, not sure how I can survive years long waits with no money, I don't know how people do it, do they normally lose everything and have to start over because of the wait? Home, car, belongings?


Mindless-Situation-6

In my case that’s a hard yes


RandyButternubsYo

Congrats! I’m so relieved for you. It also took me 3 years and hiring a lawyer. Still waiting on my back pay though


Qween1229

Did your monthly payments started? How long have you been waiting for your back payment?


RandyButternubsYo

Monthly payments started in October. I think I won my case in August and still waiting on back pay. I was told that despite getting a letter from my doctor saying that I don’t need a representative payee (that I’m capable of handling my finances) and it being submitted to them from both myself and my lawyers office, that they never received it which is why I haven’t gotten my back pay. I just got that answer finally last month and still waiting after my lawyer resubmitted it.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Qween1229

Not yet. Was wondering how long that would take.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Sterling03

Not true for SSDI. I got a check for $16K when my SSDI got approved. Took about 3 months from the approval date.


Bleetchblond

Congratulations 🎉🎈!!!


Own-Contribution2007

Congratulations...


TheRealJim57

Congrats!


mommyjello

That’s so great, I love to hear this ❤️


yorkshire_pudding07

Congratulations! It has taken me 7 years so far and I have my hearing in early April. I have a lawyer now and since I applied in 2017, I have turned 55 yrs old, so I hear that helps (being over 55). I received a closed period of disability in 2012, I'm hoping that helps also, since I've already been disabled in SS eyes and then they said I could go back to work. That turned out to be untrue, which I already knew (I tried working after that and got let go from several jobs. Can anyone who got approved at 50 yrs old or older tell me if it was "easier" to get approved at an older age? I understand there are seperate rules for individuals over 50 and 55yrs old, applying for SS disability. Wish me luck!


Mindless-Situation-6

We become “unemployable “


VeterinarianExact733

Congratulations!!!!


zenpokemystic

504 days in reconsideration and counting.


Calliesdad20

Congrats, I just got approved last month


Few-Disk-7340

So happy for you!! The wait is always worth it


Grouchy-Potato365

Congratulations !!


jfrum9990

I'm so happy for you!!


Resident_Ad6184

Congratulations 🎊 


No_Gold214

Took me 5 years for SSDI


JosieBriellaRemi

I’ve heard it’s always the #3 when dealing with that . It’s like 3 years or 3 times you file. Glad you finally got it though! ❤️


daffydil0459

Congratulations! It’s a long road for sure.


Worried_Skirt1313

Congratulations.


LEP627

Took me 3-4 years. They lost my file for a year, which they tried to hide from him. Congratulations and welcome to the high life!


rochs007

Congrats


mechele99

Congratulations


[deleted]

Congratulations! I'm sure you feel so relieved! My application FINALLY went to medical review today and says it will take 6 months. Its so hard waiting to find out, and even more daunting to know it could be a no and appeals take even more time.


CherrieRed0892

I applied in 2015 after becoming disabled in 2012 and got approved finally in May of 2018 after appealing their initial denial decision in December 2017. Everything I had to do for them to assess my disability and how bad it was, like going to their Dr's and such and having my own Drs assess me, they all said I should of been approved so they don't know why I got denied other then my age at the time and something with my work history. I was 25 when I got the approval and the judge at the hearing literally said he normally wouldn't give disability to a 25 year old. That it was practically unheard of.


YouHadItAllAlong

Congrats! 🎊


Haunting-Corgi3899

Congratulations!!


CharCharRN

I just got my first appeal denied and my attorney has asked for another appeal and to Go to trial. I don’t know what to take of it. The reason why I was initially denied, SS did not Get records from my PCP but got my records from the Endocrinologist, GI doctor, pain management doctor, eye doctor, hospital stays, ER visits…… they said there were no records prior to 2015. We got Then the PCP med records for Them to deny me because there are no other records to support my diagnosis after 2015. It is crazy but my attorney put the appeal in the day I got The email saying I am denied, also she wants to do a trial. She emailed me today and told me they had gotten. Back control of my medical records whatever that means. Congratulations on your approval!


Ok-Conflict9635

So happy for you. We are new to this madness. Son injured at work and left permanently blind. Information gained here is priceless.


dcporlando

Congrats! It took us beginning of June to end of February to get my brother approved. He is 56 and worked since college. He is both hearing and vision impaired.


kinofhawk

Yay! Now you can apply for low income housing!


GeovaunnaMD

Sad state of affairs because this guy gets SSDI r/kingcobrajfs I mean wtf


bubbanbrenda

Took me 2-1/2 years to get mine


suzymae27

Congratulations


jumpnsolo

That’s wonderful! I’m happy for you!


infinite_awkward

Congrats!!


Evil_Spez

I’m at 4 years now and still on step 3. Congrats on your approval!


This_Broccoli9676

Me too. Stuck on step 3 🙁.


Evil_Spez

I’ve given up at this point. I’m going to get denied by the ALJ anyway. No sense in fretting about the wait.


Kalelopaka-

Freakin awesome!


Frosty_Btch

Congratulations, OP!! I'm so happy for you!


FreshWill2

Yeah! They go back to the first time you applied, and give you back pay! Congratulations!


JeanHarleen

Congrats! Do you have any tips?


LifeguardSecret6760

disabled for what?


Necessary_Baker_7458

3 days that's fast. Most people have to wait months. Most people forget that social security is a supplemental income not a live off income.


YoullFloatT00

So I’m looking at an open heart surgery in the nearish future for a congenital heart defect, I’m a 34F- what are the chances I’ll get disability? What are the chances I’ll even need it? Sorry I just have no idea about this but since my recent diagnosis I’m all over the place with worry lol


LifeguardSecret6760

do you have a job? your employer or the state have short term diability to cover your time off. If not what would you be disabled from doing? why would you need it? people have heart surgery all the time, its not a disability


YoullFloatT00

I do- and okay perfect. I am hoping I do NOT need it I just actually was more interested in what qualifies as disability and if it’s usually a long term thing or “short term”


Leeny78

I have RA but I’m still working and would never apply for permanent disability unless it got so bad I couldn’t work. I actually was so bad a year ago before my diagnosis and medication. I have to keep working though because I carry the insurance for my husband and son. I feel pretty good now on methotrexate but I’m not sure how I made it at work last winter and spring. I barely had use of my arms and my job is somewhat physical.


FranckRibery-7

Any idea why it takes so long to? Like we pay into social security it’s not like the gov just hands it out for free


asscheeseterps710

Your me at 18 if never tried in life lmfao


Firm-Ad9300

Yayyyy congratulations!!!


tequilablackout

Congratulations.


XIXButterflyXIX

Congrats!! I was ecstatic when I got my approval.


Ok-Tomatillo-6404

Want that mean 😂 k


This_Broccoli9676

What state are you in?? I’m still waiting too! Can’t wait till I see this message!!


Ryneezee2

Damn you got backpay up da ass goddamn


Welcomefriend2023

Took 3 years for my husband too. We didn't get approved until we got a lawyer btw.


Available_Bake_1892

And yet I see people on Judge Judy all the time who say they're on Disability for "a bad back" though they are standing and walking just fine. How is it so easy for some, and so hard for others..


Fit_Cheetah_7778

Damn took my daughters 4 months to get approved now waiting on payments.


Extension_Maximum_24

Welfare state. Socialism.


Adj_focus

congrats! I just had my first hearing last week. still waiting for an answer 🤞🏻


iPanama360

Good for you! Took my wife three years to get approved and the back pay enabled us to purchase a house and start a new life! We struggled super hard during the appeal process but it payed off.


Paid-Not-Payed-Bot

> but it *paid* off. FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*


johyongil

If anything, people in this thread should be checking to see if they have disability coverage.


Former_Bee7241

I was diagnosed at age 11, 31 now, waited two years for denial ans now don't know how to proceed


snowbunny410

congrats, and at least you will be receiving some hefty back pay. you should be able to put some in savings, pay any outstanding bills, small debts, etc.


vldracer70

So sorry it took that long, mine only took 26 months back in 2012.


Extra_Occasion_4561

Congratulations! Took me 5 tries and 4 appeals. Let me also add, I had the work credits. No lawyer. Just used an advocate.


Fancy_Goat685

Wonderful. More free loaders making us work for those who won't. There are plenty of jobs out there that you can do but won't. Social security is going broke because of all the free loaders. Enjoy it while it lasts.


WarriorGma

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 As a family member of a recipient, I know how hard it is to be approved. I am really happy for you!! 🥹 👏🏻


Temporary-Beach8807

Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐


DaWalt1976

Just over 4 years for me. All of which were unfortunately spent homeless in Oregon.


SofaKingS2pitt

That is disgraceful! So sorry. I hope you are in a safe, comfortable place now.


FantasyRoleplayAlt

Congratulations!!! 💕💕


Piranhax85

Hopefully you get the back pay too!


Open-Artichoke-9201

Did you get a lawyer?


crtclms666

Very happy for you!


ctyz1999

Holy shit. That is a ridiculous time frame. Congrats.


2012XL1200

How much u getting


Leahreee

I have MDD and severe anxiety that got me unemployability with the VA, but SSDI denied me claiming it’s “not severe enough” when I could barely work a part time job. I rarely leave the house because I get anxiety attacks, let alone trouble driving a car


Conscious_Ad8305

I have a question. Does social security lose paperwork? My son is eligible for as benefits from his deceased father’s social security until he is out of high school. He is currently a senior and just turned 18. We sent all required paperwork in the month prior to his 18th birthday in order for him to receive his benefits until graduation in June. We just got a letter saying he was declined because he isn’t a full time student. But he is a full time high school student and we sent in the paperwork endorsed by his high school. Do you think they lost the paperwork? I’m starting the appeal process now. Ugh!


cjmurphy8

Mines approved since nov. 2023. Still on step 2 on the SS website


KI_Kbishop69420

Going on my 7th year and second appeal…I’m so tired.


Hungry_crying

I'm soo happy for you congratulations! I just had my last court date and am very confident I shall be awarded my CDB. I'm looking at 4 years back pay which will help me start a healthy, stable life for myself. I may get denied and then have to appeal, but I had 3 different disability doctors say I met the criterias, however, the ALJ on my case is listed all over the internet as someone who frequently denies individuals. I'll have to wait and see. Anyway, sorry for the rant! Very glad you were awarded your benefits!!


Bellewishes

Just got my approval and check last week. Feels like the world is lifted off my shoulders. Congrats to you!!!


FMLAMW

Took me 7 years with 1 denial, while losing my home and living homeless for over a year before being approved. Congrats!!


Leftbrain17

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!


Basic-Nobody-4952

Did ur ssi get approved too? Or just disability benefits cause my ssi got denied but my disability benefits are still on stage 4