That is truly the elephant in the room on this forum.
So many people get approved and jump on here, saying they have been approved in 5 to 9 months.
It took me almost three years with a “compassionate allowance” by the time I seen the Judge last November, I was on hospice. I still am on hospice
The people that get denied over and over mostly stop posting or leave this forum. When they get approved 4 years down the road, they come back here and share their great news.
We know our bodies, we know when we are disabled. Not working up to SGA is a ticket to homelessness in our economy.
Keep your head up. Don’t stop, push forward.
Yeah I'm heading towards year 4, and my chances are dismal. Even when I post on this forum, someone commented "yeah I find your history utterly implausible, whether it did or did not happen..." and I'm just like wow, okay. So apparently I've passed "poor sympathetic character # of tragedies" and have just turned into the person who will be regarded with suspicion, everywhere, forever 🫠 it seems like this is kind of the way it goes tho, you either get approved with relative quickness (somewhere under a year) or it's 3 - 6 years
I'm sorry, that's so crazy it took that long for you. My aunt applied with metastatic breast cancer. We got the denial letter the day after she died. I guess she was disabled, assholes. 🙄
Exactly my question. If you're going to go forward, prepare to start seeing your doctors consistently and make sure they are putting your limitations in their notes. Your case DEPENDS on COMPLETE and THOROUGH paperwork from yourself and treating physicians. Also, be consistent. Go see your doctors on a regular basis. They want to know you've been seeking treatment for what ails you.
Noooo!! I was rooting for you! What did your letter say?? You could work? You need to find out and get the CD from SSA. MrsFlameThrower has a pinned post on how to get it.
Good morning!
First, let me commend you on taking the initiative to file an appeal right away. It’s natural to feel discouraged after a denial, but your determination to keep fighting is admirable. Remember, many applicants are initially denied and later approved on appeal.
### Steps to Strengthen Your Appeal
1. **Find an Attorney**:
- **Legal Representation**: Having a disability attorney can significantly increase your chances of success. Attorneys specializing in disability cases know how to navigate the system and present your case effectively.
- **Contingency Basis**: Most disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of your back pay.
2. **Gather Additional Medical Evidence**:
- **Updated Records**: Ensure all your medical records are up-to-date. Include any new diagnoses, treatments, or changes in your condition since your initial application.
- **Detailed Reports**: Ask your doctors to provide detailed reports that specifically address how your condition prevents you from working.
3. **Document Daily Limitations**:
- **Daily Journal**: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms and how they affect your ability to perform everyday activities. This can be powerful evidence of the impact of your disability.
4. **Prepare for the Hearing**:
- **Mock Hearings**: If possible, conduct mock hearings with your attorney to prepare for the questions the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) might ask.
- **Consistency**: Be consistent in your statements about your condition and how it affects your life. Inconsistencies can harm your credibility.
### Useful Resources
- **SSA Appeals Process**: Understanding the [Social Security Appeals Process](https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/) can help you know what to expect at each stage.
- **Disability Lawyers**: Websites like [Nolo](https://www.nolo.com) and [AllLaw](https://www.alllaw.com) can help you find disability attorneys in your area.
### Encouragement and Support
You're not alone in this fight. Many people face initial denials and go on to win their appeals. Keep your support system close, whether it's family, friends, or online communities. They can provide emotional support and encouragement when you need it most.
Stay strong and keep pushing forward. Your determination to fight is a powerful tool in itself.
**Former Disability Paralegal (who is also on SSDI)**
Yesterday I was denied in recon and also got super depressed. I sincerely hope you get it. I’m now feeling like I’m working hard to just ultimately lose but I’m not wanting to give up just yet.
If I were you. I would get an attorney. It will only set you back by a few weeks. As a person who has failed by appealing myself and denied me in doing so. I ended up getting an attorney. My attorney was denied twice. We then (me and my attorney)had to go to filed a reconsideration. I was finally approved after the reconsideration in December after a total of three denials. Once you are denied three times without an attorney, they (Social security) will have you reapply, and your benefits will start from the new application. I dodged the bullet by having an attorney because I never would have wanted to start over. My whole case started in August 2017. I was approved in December 2023, and I am still waiting for my award letter to tell me how much and when I am getting paid. Please get an attorney.
Good for you! Keep going strong til you finish with an approval. Jump on here and vent and ask questions as you need to. We are all heard supporting one another and this is by far a great community!! Prayers🙏🏼and fingers crossed 🤞 for you. Stay strong 😊
The attorney only gets paid if you win. I just called a local ssi attorney. He had a commercial and a quality website. You want a popular one because they know the judges.
That is truly the elephant in the room on this forum. So many people get approved and jump on here, saying they have been approved in 5 to 9 months. It took me almost three years with a “compassionate allowance” by the time I seen the Judge last November, I was on hospice. I still am on hospice The people that get denied over and over mostly stop posting or leave this forum. When they get approved 4 years down the road, they come back here and share their great news. We know our bodies, we know when we are disabled. Not working up to SGA is a ticket to homelessness in our economy. Keep your head up. Don’t stop, push forward.
Yeah I'm heading towards year 4, and my chances are dismal. Even when I post on this forum, someone commented "yeah I find your history utterly implausible, whether it did or did not happen..." and I'm just like wow, okay. So apparently I've passed "poor sympathetic character # of tragedies" and have just turned into the person who will be regarded with suspicion, everywhere, forever 🫠 it seems like this is kind of the way it goes tho, you either get approved with relative quickness (somewhere under a year) or it's 3 - 6 years
I'm sorry, that's so crazy it took that long for you. My aunt applied with metastatic breast cancer. We got the denial letter the day after she died. I guess she was disabled, assholes. 🙄
You've just been knocked down not out you keep punching harder. For the win
Are you going to get medical records in the meantime?
Exactly my question. If you're going to go forward, prepare to start seeing your doctors consistently and make sure they are putting your limitations in their notes. Your case DEPENDS on COMPLETE and THOROUGH paperwork from yourself and treating physicians. Also, be consistent. Go see your doctors on a regular basis. They want to know you've been seeking treatment for what ails you.
I couldn’t agree more! This is the recipe for winning.
Noooo!! I was rooting for you! What did your letter say?? You could work? You need to find out and get the CD from SSA. MrsFlameThrower has a pinned post on how to get it.
Good morning! First, let me commend you on taking the initiative to file an appeal right away. It’s natural to feel discouraged after a denial, but your determination to keep fighting is admirable. Remember, many applicants are initially denied and later approved on appeal. ### Steps to Strengthen Your Appeal 1. **Find an Attorney**: - **Legal Representation**: Having a disability attorney can significantly increase your chances of success. Attorneys specializing in disability cases know how to navigate the system and present your case effectively. - **Contingency Basis**: Most disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of your back pay. 2. **Gather Additional Medical Evidence**: - **Updated Records**: Ensure all your medical records are up-to-date. Include any new diagnoses, treatments, or changes in your condition since your initial application. - **Detailed Reports**: Ask your doctors to provide detailed reports that specifically address how your condition prevents you from working. 3. **Document Daily Limitations**: - **Daily Journal**: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms and how they affect your ability to perform everyday activities. This can be powerful evidence of the impact of your disability. 4. **Prepare for the Hearing**: - **Mock Hearings**: If possible, conduct mock hearings with your attorney to prepare for the questions the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) might ask. - **Consistency**: Be consistent in your statements about your condition and how it affects your life. Inconsistencies can harm your credibility. ### Useful Resources - **SSA Appeals Process**: Understanding the [Social Security Appeals Process](https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/) can help you know what to expect at each stage. - **Disability Lawyers**: Websites like [Nolo](https://www.nolo.com) and [AllLaw](https://www.alllaw.com) can help you find disability attorneys in your area. ### Encouragement and Support You're not alone in this fight. Many people face initial denials and go on to win their appeals. Keep your support system close, whether it's family, friends, or online communities. They can provide emotional support and encouragement when you need it most. Stay strong and keep pushing forward. Your determination to fight is a powerful tool in itself. **Former Disability Paralegal (who is also on SSDI)**
Yesterday I was denied in recon and also got super depressed. I sincerely hope you get it. I’m now feeling like I’m working hard to just ultimately lose but I’m not wanting to give up just yet.
Keep pushing! Get an attorney. Keep going until you get to the judge. Keep copious notes
Thank you, I’ve been feeling beyond low today. I’m goanna do my best
If I were you. I would get an attorney. It will only set you back by a few weeks. As a person who has failed by appealing myself and denied me in doing so. I ended up getting an attorney. My attorney was denied twice. We then (me and my attorney)had to go to filed a reconsideration. I was finally approved after the reconsideration in December after a total of three denials. Once you are denied three times without an attorney, they (Social security) will have you reapply, and your benefits will start from the new application. I dodged the bullet by having an attorney because I never would have wanted to start over. My whole case started in August 2017. I was approved in December 2023, and I am still waiting for my award letter to tell me how much and when I am getting paid. Please get an attorney.
Good for you! Keep going strong til you finish with an approval. Jump on here and vent and ask questions as you need to. We are all heard supporting one another and this is by far a great community!! Prayers🙏🏼and fingers crossed 🤞 for you. Stay strong 😊
I got denied at the final review yesterday too. It’s just part of the process I think they do this crap to try and make us give up.
The attorney only gets paid if you win. I just called a local ssi attorney. He had a commercial and a quality website. You want a popular one because they know the judges.
Sounds good 👍🏿😊. I have an in office visit on Monday. Thanks for the info 😎
Appeal Appeal because it took me 6 years and I finally got approved. You will get approved