The Process of Filing for and Gaining Disability
The process of filing for an gaining disability is indeed a very frustrating experience. Just knowing this fact, can make it less stressful. Knowing that you are going to be denied at least 2 times, and that the hearing process takes at least a year or more should make you more patient, but that's not as easy as it sounds.
Speaking from experience, as I have spinal stenosis, and degenerative arthritis, I had to file for disability in 2004.
First you have to deal with all the paperwork. I went to the local Social Security office where I had to make sure I had put enough money into the Social Security system. After that I went on line to Social Security On-line, which is the official web site for the Social Security Administration. There you can file on line, which I found to be very easy. This web site tells you exactly what is needed and what you have to do when you are denied, and all about the appeal process, which is definitely going to happen even if your disability unfortunately states that you are bedridden or in a wheelchair.
I had to use the appeal process 3 times. I finally had to obtain the services of an attorney, who specializes in disability and Medicaid cases. Since I had all the paper work and a job resume, the process was even easier and less time consuming. The attorney obtained all the medical history records that was needed and filed a motion for the hearing process, which for me took a year.
The hearing process where you and your attorney or other legal aid source go before a judge. He has all the paperwork and your job resume as well, and the barrage of questions he asked was the most humiliating experience I ever had to go through.
I have worked in customer service call centers as a customer service representative for more than 13 years. The judge felt that I could still do this work. I explained that I had tried to work at home as a 1099 independent contractor doing customer service work, but because of my disability I could not sit for as many hours as I used to, and I was unable to perform that job any longer. I walked in with a cane, and he asked me why I had to use it. So I explained that as well, by this time I am in tears and he asked if I wanted to take a break. I said no, let's just get this over with. Needless to say I won my case and started to receive what I was due.
Yes, filing for disability is a tedious process, but it should not be this way. After people have worked all their lives and they finally get to an advanced age, where they need help, the governmental process should be easier.
People needing this service have worked and paid taxes, and they are just getting back money that they deserve.
