Posted 7/15/2008 12:22 PM (GMT -6)
Hi...I've been on disability for 4 years now. I was originally put on it when they thought I just had major depression, panic disorder, and PTSD. When I was diagnosed with bipolar I let them know and I haven't heard anything since so I'm hoping no news is good news. Plus I have a whole list of other health problems now. Anyway what happens is first you fill out the paperwork, then you have an interview with a SSD caseworker which can even be done over the phone if need be. Then you wait a while, sometimes fill out more paperwork, your docs fill out paperwork, and then you see one of their docs. It's just like a regular first time pdoc appt. You tell them everything you can and then from there it's a waiting game. I was turned down the first time I applied and was too bad to attempt an appeal. The first time I did this the doc of theirs I saw was a real jerk...I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but just wanted to mention it. Since I didn't appeal I tried working again and after many failed attempts I reapplied for disability. Had to go through everything all over again. This time the SSD doc was nicer, but like they say, the SSD doc you see just gives an opinion they don't really control what happens after they see you. The SSD people then review everything, your paperwork, your doctor's paperwork, the SSD doc's paperwork then make a decision. As far as I know if you are denied...which happens to almost everyone the first time...as long as you appeal you won't lose your benefits. So you'll be covered during your appeal process. It's been a while so things might have changed, but that was my experience. Hope everything works out for the best. *hugs*