tell me your experiences trying to qualify for SSDI or SSI

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. Mr. dixie got Soc. Sec. disability first try, in 2005. and it took 18 months

Let me state clearly that he had an obvious physical issue, there was no question of eligibility.

What worked in our favor:

1. We live a very rural area and the SS office was not crowded at any time

2. The SS doctor he had to see was very experienced, as it turned out, with the type of physical problem and wrote supportive med. records.

The good news is that we got 18 months of back payments based on his latest work records, it added up to a nice sum.

Having said all that, if he applied today, I would get a lawyer, simply because the lawyers generally tend to get results.
Well worth the fee which can be paid from the money they give you, dating from the date you first applied.

If we lived in a populous area where there are more people applying, for sure I would get a lawyer.
Lots of people wait to get denied before getting one...not a good move in these times.

Now, if you are applying for state SSI, that is different, there are more obstacles, esp. in a red state.
And I would get a lawyer.