Truth About SSDI

I fortunately have not had to apply for SSDI benefits myself, but I have had experience with the system, both through a friend who was sick and has since passed as well as my own job working in private disability insurance.

I will start with my friend. He had end-stage liver disease, was bed-ridden and could not keep any food down. He was denied by SSDI. This was the first time that I learned that SSDI pretty much denies everyone the first time around. It is sad, but it is true. Anyone can see that someone who is bed-ridden with a terminal illness should get these benefits, but that is not the case. Now that I work in private disability insurance, I know much more about the process.

I have had many sick people that I provide benefits to who have been denied by SSDI. This can be anything from cancer to arthritis to behavioral health conditions. In all my years, I have never seen anyone approved in their first application. Please do not let this deter you. It is not you, it is just the system, process and red tape that goes along with applying for SSDI benefits. I have noticed that people may get benefits their second or third try. If not, there is always the option of a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

It has been my experience that people will get approved by an Administrative Law Judge more often than not. It also seems to help to have an attorney who specializes in SSDI to assist you. If you have private disability insurance, check your policy. You may be able to be reimbursed for attorney's fees. It is worth looking in to it.

I have also seen people appeal to their state representatives (congressmen, senators, etc.) to assist them with obtaining SSDI benefits. If you write a letter to your local lawmaker, they might write a letter to SSDI on your behalf. A letter from a lawmaker in your file will often help quite a bit to getting yourself approved. One thing to remember is that SSDI is very strict with respect to occupation. Most private and group insurance policies will provide benefits if you are not able due to an injury or sickness to perform the duties of your occupation. SSDI just looks to see if there is any reasonable occupation you can perform. For instance, if you are a surgeon with carpal tunnel syndrome, they are likely to deny you because it would be reasonable (at least my their standards) that you could be a professor, consultant, etc.

The best advise that I can offer is to not give up. Do not be surprised or upset if you are denied after your initial application. It does not mean that you are not eligible for benefits, you are simply a victim of the red tape. Keep on applying and be sure to comply with whatever requests SSDI has and comply in a timely manner. That will help your cause. I hope that my advice and experiences with SSDI help someone out there. Please just remain persistent with the process.

Remember, it is them, not you, that is usually causing the denials.

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