Social Security Disability Information

I hope the following helps people here.

In reading numerous posts here, I have noticed that many people have applied and been determined disabled by social security. I have also noticed that many people have struggled with the whole process.

Personally, I have been there and experienced the hardship of applying for and ultimately receiving the benefits I qualified for. The following is information I have received and use in my case. I am in no way an expert in this matter. That is why I use lawyers.

First off, the employees at your local social security office only accept and process applications. They don’t make any determination if you are disabled or not. They are required to be kind and respectful. If they are not respectful ask to speak with their supervisor. Part of an employees review includes complaints about customer service.

Social security looks at how many years one has worked. They call them credits and people earn 4 credits each year. Essentially, a person earns one credit every 3 months. Your age determines how social security determines your credits. For example, if you are 44, you need 22 credits.

If you haven't worked for a period of time social security takes away credits which may disqualify you.

Also don't work at all while you are going through the process. Social Security will only see this as you being capable of working.

Get a detailed history of all your medical records and start if you haven't already getting doctors to document your inability to work and why. Lastly, keep a running document of all medical appointments you have and what took place. I even include visits to my doctor just to pick up blood work results from his receptionist.

Two very helpful website are

http://www.thedisabilityexpert.com/
http://www.disabilityfacts.com/default.htm

In addition, I recommend people buy or get from your library the following book, Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability. It is not cheap, costing about $30.00.

I hope this helps people and if any of my information is inaccurate someone can correct it.

By JohnGia
Posted September 16, 2009 at 2:38 am
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HI ALL ..hope your had A GOOD DAY wow!!! sombody that went like mine did. Four the rest keep up on your records. And find a doctor that will help U work through the process. It can be very confusing. Make sure your doctor is on your side fully!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would love to talk to someone on a more personal note about the inner bifromas, would I would to hear from U via E-MAIL.. the pain and stiffness is unbearable

By catmom08
Posted September 16, 2009 at 10:11 am
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do you have the book? do you want to sell it if u are already on ss? if so add me as friend and messge me privately.

i ask casue i am forced to work part time though right now i am nto working cause my parents are forcing this (long story) and thats their rules.

also what do you mean by take away credits? i got my credit statement from ss(well the lawyer did they wouldtn give it to me) and i had gaps but that was due to being sick so much it was hard to get a job.

as for doctors i have gotten the records available. my mom and dad snt me to a few more doctors but my problem is i have a litte of this a little of that and the nf which of course isnt recognized as a real serious problem.

By MysticMIkel
Posted September 18, 2009 at 12:08 am
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I am unsure about social security taking away credits. From my experience, I learned that credits are taken away after a period of not working. This is where a lawyer can be helpful.

Information about credits is probably on the websites I posted as well as on the social security website.

By AuntieRo
Posted September 20, 2009 at 6:20 pm
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HI-
Maybe you can help me understand this statement -

Also don't work at all while you are going through the process. Social Security will only see this as you being capable of working.

If I could work, I wouldn't be applying.
Thanks!!

By MysticMIkel
Posted September 20, 2009 at 7:53 pm
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Social Security does allow a person who is disabled to earn a certain amount of money. More information is provided on the social security website about working while receiving disability.

For a comparison many retired people supplement their incomes from social security with a part time job.

Social securities website is http://www.ssa.gov/

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