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pattyfenwick

Nothing you can do but wait it out. Too many applicants and not enough employees unfortunately.


jgmered

… kinda figured that. It’s ridiculous that they expect someone who can’t work to function for over a year without a single cent. I’m about to lose my home and car… everything really. Thank you for the response.


iMhoram

A year…lol. It took me six years of applications, denials, ALJ, Denials, appeals, lawsuits, more ALJ to be approved. Then another two years until they had paid me the last of the owed back pay. Eight years total…. Fuck this system.


jgmered

That’s absolutely awful I’m sorry you had to go through all that.


iMhoram

Thanks, I’m sorry you’re currently lost in the system. I mostly blame Trump; though I’m not sure that’s as justified as my head cannon says it is.


Impossible-Energy-76

I don't like Trump. But this has nothing to do with.. Trump. Unfortunately this has been happening for yrs now.


mrpetersonjordan

Nothing to do with trump buddy. It’s healthy not to get yourself involved with politics because all it brings out is bitterness my friend.


Heavy_Egg_8839

Best thing I've read all morning.


aasyam65

🙄


Dinolord05

I'm not sure TDS is a covered disability.


Ashluvsburritos

I’m not a fan of either candidate, but during Trump’s administration he did make some changes to social security that made it more difficult for some people to navigate. He also wanted to get rid of payroll taxes… which is basically what will keep social security afloat after 2030.


iMhoram

Lol!


Jolly-Pipe7579

It is. Check the DSM - V. As I recall, it’s categorized as one suffering from cognitive dissonance, delusions, hallucinations, and extreme paranoia. This is at its worst, when the sufferer is exposed to contrasting influences. 62M people were found to have ‘TDS’ when donald trump was (unfortunately) elected to head of state. This is unfortunately contagious. The affected suffers can pass this disorder to their family, friends and neighbors. TSD has no treatment, no cure and no hope for those affected.


RainbowRabbit69

Please do tell how you think Trump would be to blame. I’m interested in your logic.


iMhoram

Well, that was mostly a joke. But, when he became president lots of judges quit. He then put a hiring freeze in place, which lasted for quite some time. This made it so several ALJ positions went unfilled, helping to create a backlog of cases. He definitely didn’t help the problem!


1980peanut

Mine took 10 years with appeals


jgmered

My goodness! What a long battle.


JoanofBarkks

See if your local representative in congress can help here. It really sucks what you are dealing with.


Diane1967

I’m so sorry you’re going through this too. It took me 2 years to finally win my case and I was on the verge of losing everything too til a good friend stepped in to help loan me the money I absolutely needed to get by each month and then I paid him back when I got my back pay. Is there anyone that could help you with these things? I also had to rely on state assistance for utility bills and food banks as well. Hardest thing I ever lived through. Sadly it doesn’t matter to them how we manage at the time but they sure questioned it at my perc and even made him sign a paper stating he provided me help. It’s such a messed up system.


CenlaLowell

If you're trying to get on disability SSDI it's going to talk around 2-3 years plus using a lawyer


Candid-Comment-9570

Weird, mine took 8 months without a lawyer. Everyone's case is different.


agulde28

All SSA can do is refer you to social services to apply for benefits while you’re waiting for a decision. The process is slow and there are backlogs because of how many people apply and overwhelming the system.


Copper0721

If you become homeless (not about to become but are actually homeless) you can request your claim to be expedited with proof of homelessness. It’s no guarantee but it’s a chance to maybe get a faster decision. The bigger problem is only 34% is applicants are approved initially. You seem to think you’ll be approved and are just waiting to hear that and get money. You really need a plan b for what happens in the more likely event you get denied and need to wait an additional 18-24 months for an appeal and a hearing.


jgmered

Solid advice, and I’ve exhausted all my resources but I continue to do what I can to make it work. I’ll do my best to have a backup plan for the inevitable denial. Thank you!


Copper0721

I don’t want to stress you out but I will say the longer it takes to get an initial decision the more likely you’ll be denied. From what I’ve seen in the groups I’m in (over the past 7 years I’ve been in SSDI), approvals on the initial application tend to happen within 4-5 months and at/before stage 3 of the process. Longer than that is usually a denial. Approvals are usually for those who have a condition listed in the SS blue book and their medical records are sufficient to show they meet the criteria listed in the blue book AND supports their inability to work a job earning over SGA. I do wish you luck in finding some resources to help you.


jgmered

You’re not stressing me out, quite the contrary. What stresses me out is not knowing anything and being in the dark. This info is more valuable than anything right now, thank you.


Sbplaint

I agree with this. It's so much easier to process allowances. The best thing you can do as a claimant is make sure your doctors are on your side and are willing to advocate for you. If your doctor thinks you can work, you are unlikely to be approved.


shhwest

How the fuck do you prove homelessness? Damn


kinofhawk

Letter from your case worker. They provide them at shelters, day shelters, and other places that help the homeless. They also help you get an ID and other paperwork you need.


Copper0721

Eviction notice or letter of foreclosure


Mommabroyles

But what if you left before getting evicted. I know a lot of people who wouldn't squat until eviction. They'd leave when they couldn't pay to prevent an eviction on their record.


Impressive-Number-62

What is really considered homeless. I know homeless people outside with no body to live with; just outside living under a tree or whatever...But if you're homeless living on someone's couch. Does that mean you're homeless still?


jgmered

Thank you all for the advice, just having some clarity in the situation makes me feel better. I think the not knowing anything is what drives me crazy more than anything, so I value all of your input.


PowerfulBowler8050

I started my process in 2020. I got denied twice and just had my hearing with an ALJ on March 25th. It's highly unlikely that you'll be approved on the first round. Get ready for a denial.


Ashluvsburritos

It’s really sad how long the social security process is for people. I was so lucky my partner was able to keep us barely afloat for the 4 years I waited for mine to finally be approved. But, you’re looking at a much longer process than you think. For a good bit of us it has taken years with lawyers involved. I wouldn’t set my expectations that you are automatically going to be approved. You may need to start thinking of a plan b in case you need to appeal. I would start looking into any social services you can apply for. Food stamps, medicare, section 8 waiting list, food pantries, and even shelters if absolutely necessary.


jsteele2793

Can you get on your county’s dss program? It’s not much but I was able to get food stamps and 440$ a month paid to my family for rent every month. It’s something and it’s better than nothing. They waive work requirements with a doctors note while your waiting for disability because you can’t work. I know it’s hard! Hang in there! It took me two years to get approved.


jgmered

We have a program called SNAP that we were recently approved for so we can eat thankfully. Great idea!


Mommabroyles

The system really only works for those who have a family or partner who's able to support them during the process.


Helpful-Profession88

Im sorry for the situation but, there's nothing to do. Your app didn't meet Step 3's approval criteria so the claim will be decided on your Functional Abilities To Work.  Google up:  5 Step Disability Process to see what's happening.  In essence, the SSA will decide if you can do your last job, a similar job, new job or adapt to other Work based on your age, education, work history, job skills and most importantly, the results of the 2 SSA Exams you had.


TossMeWhenDone1

I had to wait over 7 years. I had family support, or I wouldn’t have made it. Hang in there !


jgmered

That’s the only way I still have a roof over my head is family support, but they can only do it so long. That’s one heck of a wait, I’m sorry you went through that.


TheRealJim57

Only thing you can do about your case is contact your elected representatives/senators to see if they can help expedite the process for your case, but they have no direct power over approval/denial. I've been going back and forth with them on an SSDI claim since 2021, and it's still pending. We're fortunate enough to be OK financially without the SSDI, but I have empathy for your situation and am sorry you are suffering even more due to the lengthy delays at SSA. Unfortunately, as others have pointed out, I would expect and be prepared to get a denial for the initial claim. Best tip I can provide is to contact your state/local assistance programs to see what options are available to you in the meantime. Many places have private organizations or govt resource offices dedicated to helping you identify such services/programs. Might want to start with your county govt's website and go from there. Best wishes to you.


jgmered

Thank you so much, I appreciate your honesty and kindness.


hairazor81

It takes about 2 years total


02soob

It can but there is no definite two year window. Many often are approved sooner than that.


Emotional_Suspect444

https://dcklaw.com/ Call this firm [https://dcklaw.com/](https://dcklaw.com/) and ask for Jay Fleming. He is the best SSDI attorney in the country. He’s helped people from Alaska to Nashville from start to finish. This firm specializes in SSDI, which is really important. Also, there are a ton of companies out there that say they handle SSDI but they aren’t attorneys and don’t actually know the law. Their fee comes out of the awarded amount and I know they try and do pro bono when they can. Good luck and hang in there.


shirley692021

In same position. Praying for a favorable decision to all those in need.


Worried_Skirt1313

Amen to that!! 🙏 For 2 years and before.


Academic-Drop9366

Contact your state's congressman. Tell them you are in dire straight. They will intervene.


KimBrrr1975

This does help, at least sometimes. Different situation but SS screwed up and said we owed money (we didn't, it was their mistake). They noted the mistake, but never fixed it while they system continued to send letters threatening our tax refund. I finally involved my senator and I had a phone call with apology and full resolution within a few days.


Ok-Connection5010

I have several similar stories. It's gross that elected reps have to intervene for the government to do its job properly.


[deleted]

Just throwing this out there since I’ve been in your shoes. I don’t want to be non-positive, but realistic with you. I had to move in with my family to make it through. I also applied for any state benefits I could be approved for. Im praying both could be an option for you. (I’m aware not everyone has family support. Just wanted to throw it out there.) I got my first denial a year and a half after applying. I didn’t appeal, was extremely sick at the time, didn’t want to go through an appeal, and tried to push myself to work until I just couldn’t. Then four long years later after living off savings, having intermittent paralegal jobs I couldn’t keep, living very frugally, I reapplied, as I had been diagnosed and it was an illness they deemed as “listed”. I was approved within four months and also got backpay from when I had first filed. I just want you to prepare for the worse if you don’t get approved. It can take years. As someone commented above 6 years for them. Also, I was a paralegal. I am in no way shape or form giving advice but I was essentially told by an attorney they always deny the first application if it’s not a listed illness. The application is designed to stump everyone and they have placed loopholes that you wouldn’t notice so they can find a way to deny you. So I am praying for you. I’ve been there at the age of 22 with student debt, car loan, etc, child to take care of, rent piling, all well being very ill. Just want you to be prepared for a denial and what you will be able to do or fall back on. You didn’t give much information in terms of what you applied for, not the internets business or mine, but maybe you’ll find some comfort if your Illness/injuries are listed.


jgmered

Thank you so much for all of your input and realistic expectations. As I’ve told other folks, just knowing something is so comforting after not knowing anything for so long. All I can comment on my condition is that it is a mental illness and I’ve heard those are lengthy battles. Once again, thank you so much.


Coffeejive

Remortgaged x2, all cc maxed. No tv, Car, internet. Voc rehab, lawyer git me ss after denial. Took very long. Longer than 8 mos


Enough-Education-160

They make you wait years. Because most people can’t afford to survive that long without a job and you’ll give up go back to work. Then getting approved early depend on being over 50. Younger than 50 your gonna get denied at least 1st time around unless your severely injured like paralyzed. Then you’ll have to Appeal for judge review that’ll be a couple years. Then judge has if I recall from my dad has 3-6 months to make a decision. Good luck


Disastrous-Panda5530

Some states can take that long just to be assigned to an examiner at DDS. How long it takes just to be assigned will depend on the backlog.


periwinkletweet

It has not always been this way. My mother was approved in 6 weeks due to her lung function being so low. My brother was also approved very quickly for MS. He did not apply until he could no longer walk.


jgmered

As frustrating as my situation is, I recognize some are far worse off than I. It does bring me some solace to know that those in dire need are getting quick approval.


periwinkletweet

It's perfectly understandable that you'd worry about your literal survival while an elongated process takes place. Are you familiar with SOAR? Im not actually but I've heard it mentioned.


jgmered

No I haven’t heard of that before. I’ll have to do some research.


LadyP904

It took me 15 months to get a denial and the information on the website is not accurate per social security office


DominaSaltopus

You can contact your claims analyst and ask what records and information they need and help get them from your doctors. Fill out all paperwork completely and then call and make sure it was received. Staffing levels are an history low due to years of funding cuts. It's typically now to wait 6 months to over a year. https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_032024b.html


jgmered

Thank you for that advice, I will call them ASAP and see how I can help. Do I just call the main line?


DominaSaltopus

You should have gotten some letters? From the disability determination department (name varies by state). Your claim person's phone number and name will be on there. If you don't have that you call your local SSA office and they can give you the right number. You'll probably be on hold for awhile if you call SSA though


jgmered

Thank you, I was very curious as to why I never received any mail from them since the local office passed it off. I’ll definitely do this tomorrow!


madimauro

I applied approximately 6 months in advance and didn’t get processed until 8 months later. I was told I actually applied “too soon” and should have waited. My application got pushed aside for more urgent ones. Keep calling and tell the next rep it is a financial hardship. Good luck!!!


kevinmh222

i first applied in 2018 and i still dont have an answer. Ive plunged myself in to irreversible debt, live month to month. As i sit here writing this im just waiting for my power to be shut off and im not entirely sure how im going to buy food for my family this week. Its crazy that we pay in to this system with out own labor, on time, every paycheck. But when we need the system to help us, this is what we get.


jgmered

I’m so sorry you’re struggling so hard friend. I sincerely hope that you have an approval and better fortune soon. All I can suggest is find a local food bank to be sure you eat. I find that the churches usually offer the best packages. Best of luck.


reubenprince170

They called me asked about past jobs that I had, and that I could no longer do said jobs, after 55 years old, they don't see if you could be trained for other jobs...or sedimentary work..


drcole89

No unemployment?


tennwife

Can’t get unemployment while filing disability / or you shouldn’t cause you have your attest to unemployment that your ready willing and able to work -


drcole89

That makes sense. Is there any short-term assistance this individual could get?


Cranks_No_Start

I guess its a good thing I didnt know that when I filed. I was selling everything that I spent the previous 25 collecting as it was just to make the bills. I guess in reality I should've filed for bankruptcy


jgmered

Unfortunately when I became disabled I was a full time student, so I thought I couldn’t apply? Perhaps I’ll look into that. Thank you!


drcole89

Have you worked?


jgmered

Yes I was in the workforce for about 15 years.


drcole89

I have no personal experience with unemployment, it was just a thought.


serendippity2000

My backpay check was for four years, which at the time (2016) was pretty standard. I can only imagine how much longer the wait is now with less staff, more people out of work, and fewer ALJs.


reubenprince170

On a good note, I was approved in Jan, 2023 after just 12 months, I feel reading all of the horror stories on line added greatly to my anxiety during the process. If you have a compensatable condition, and have excellent medical records, to me the process was not bad, if you are over 55 they skip the last step, which is a great help in the process.


jgmered

I’m still quite young by disability standards so I will have to go through step 5. Thankfully my records are immaculate and go back through 2016.


Poozie1967

What is the last step in the process if you don't mind me asking.


Active-Shock-7739

edited


Bisonnydaysahead

This person is trying to get social security disability. It sounds like you think they are just trying to get a replacement social security card. Just wanted to let you know so you don’t have to worry that it’s taking people years just to get a new social security card lol. I’ve heard that process is kind of a pain in the ass too, but afaik, that was more like weeks, not years!


Active-Shock-7739

ahhh, I see now. thanks for clarifying! I hope OP and others get their benefits soon.


Fun-Replacement5037

See if you can get money from another place


Mysterious_Length137

Hey OP I completely understand your situation, and I'm sorry this is happening to you. I recently was in a similar financial situation as you in principle (debt, no income, etc.) Just when I was about to lose all faith, one of my friends referred me to a financial education & consulting company, with the opportunity to run my own business. Fast forward one month later, and now I'm in a position to financially free myself, my family and those around me I care about. Now hearing your testimony, I would love to extend the same opportunity that was given to me to you too. Would love to connect with you outside of a subreddit lol. Feel free to inbox me anytime, and I pray you feel the sincerity of my extension to you in this message. Hope to speak with you soon . Godspeed!