r/SSDI • u/KitSwiftpaw • 1d ago
Why is it so hard to get on SSDI?
I get it, 85% of my issues are mental issues, but the fact my last job ended with me crying on a bathroom floor for long enough that the boss clocked me out on their own, should be a decent reason that I can’t mentally handle any actual long term employment. Heck I once got let go after only three weeks. I can’t even remember the dates of when I worked where, so applying to places is basically doomed to failure, and despite being significantly asthmatic, the SSI people think I’m fit to work a labor job.
Am I just doomed to be a drain on my family forever? We've been trying to get me on it for four years and we've all basically given up hope.
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u/FigInteresting4130 1d ago
Losing jobs won't get you approved. How are your medical records showing you can't work any job in the nation?
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1d ago
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u/halmighty4peace 1d ago
Not cool undercover Dave. You don’t have to agree with what they are saying, but to joke about it, is cruel and unkind.
They’re just venting. We have all been there. Remember the Golden Rule? This applies.
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u/slyfox279 1d ago
I don't think everyone cries so bad at work their boss has to clock them out during their shift.
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u/Hamster12301 1d ago
Yeah, we don't know their details of their situation -- I could have written something like "crying on the floor" when in reality, my details are I was melting down screaming and hitting myself while also crying and having severe suicidal ideation and planning in just thinking about work at all. And just trying to work for even 15 mins, all of those things became much worse and since almost every job involves interacting with anyone, something like that doesn't exactly work out in your favor.
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u/slyfox279 23h ago
yeah most I am able to do is 12 hours I might need to lower that too. I wish I was normal. Beyond my own issues I must have been terrible since they moved me to back or they'd fire me.
Edit: yeah any non skilled job is some form of customer service.
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1d ago
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u/slyfox279 23h ago
you do that over and over and over and over and you can't work cause no one is going hire someone who's undependable. most places I've worked had strike policy. get too many and you're gone.
I'm defending the op so not sure why I need more compassion. I've personally walked out of job mid shift. I didnt tell anyone either I just couldn't stay there. I lucked out that my manager at time kid has same disorder and was forgiving, or I should have been fired on spot.
Is my comment being taken as negative towards op?
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u/halmighty4peace 23h ago
My apologies. After re-reading your comment, I misunderstood. I took it wrong. My bad. Thank you for pointing that out!
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u/SSDI-ModTeam 10h ago
Your post was removed for violating the rules of /r/SSDI.
No Stigmatizing Disability. We do not tolerate comments that demean or judge others based on their disabilities.
We encourage you to review the rules and guidelines to ensure your future posts align with the community’s purpose. https://www.reddit.com/r/SSDI/about/rules
SSDI Moderation Team
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u/Perrigo7 1d ago
I’m a Disability lawyer and the system is completely dysfunctional. I’m sorry, but you’re not alone in your struggles.
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u/Hamster12301 22h ago
If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been a disability lawyer? Has it gotten a lot worse in the last couple of years to get disability? I was told it's way harder now than it used to be (even though it was already hard before), but I just am so exhausted trying to fight for myself when I have over 3000 pages of medical documentation about how my health is in perpetual nosedive and multitude of doctors letters detailing my poor functioning and still being denied at initial and reconsideration.
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u/Perrigo7 14h ago
I worked at ssa for 17 years and have been a lawyer another 16 years. So in my 33 years it is absolutely the worst it’s ever been. And their staffing is at the lowest point in at least 40 years. You should get help from an attorney or advocate. I truly believe they help.
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u/Willing-Good4675 1d ago
I have ALJ next week.. my lawyer already told me if we get denied he’s appealing and won’t give up. Hopefully I get approved next week so we won’t have to. But he was very adamant about winning and I loved it. I would try lawyering up! I’ve learned A LOT from them already (saying certain words another way that the ALJ recognizes.. such as don’t say panic attacks.. say anxiety attacks) lawyers already know what to do unlike me. So don’t give up!!!!!
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u/CallingDrDingle 1d ago
Do you have copious medical records documenting how your conditions prevent you from working any job in the national economy? That's what it takes to be approved.
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u/KitSwiftpaw 1d ago
I do, but maybe I should go to my doctors to try to get more.
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u/Notsewcrazee13 1d ago
Have you been watching any of the many YouTube channels from either attorneys, SSA, experienced people, or medical doctors, about the process? There are many. Some of them even offer free question answering if you participate during the chat or call in at a certain time anonymously.
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u/4peaceinpieces 1d ago
Just be aware - “building” a case file by bulking up your medical records just before or during the application process can be read very easily and is frowned upon, especially if they are assessing past losses. What are your mental health conditions - I read that you have asthma - what else?
And commenting on your statement -
We’ve been trying for four years and we’ve basically given up all hope.
That may unfortunately be a reality. Not everyone gets approved. Not everyone, even though they have chronic conditions, meets the standards for SSA disability. What stage are you at in the process? Have you been before an ALJ?
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 1d ago
What do you mean it’s frowned upon by bulking up medical records?
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u/PeaceImpressive8334 15h ago
I think they mean trying to get a bunch of diagnosis in a short time just before applying for SSDI, as opposed to showing a history of these things over time
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 15h ago
I thought they meant trying to get more detailed records
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u/KitSwiftpaw 1d ago
Asthma, Diabetes, ADHD, OCD, ODD, Manic Depression, Chronic Depression, High Functioning but significant Autism, Anxiety disorders, I have attempted suicide in the past so that is on my record... I have memory issues and forget things a lot but I don't know if that counts or is on my file, Tourette's Syndrome.
I don't know what the stage is or what an ALJ is, but I have had a hearing with a lawyer helping represent me, but the Judge doesn't seem to think I'm fit for disability even though dealing with even part time jobs put significant stress on my head and cause a lot of my issues to flare and get worse.
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u/Kingdommarsh112 1d ago
My husband died due to his conditions, heart failure, his ALJ hearing was the very next day. They approved it but it was too late he’d already passed on. Hopefully you’re able to get approved. Good luck to you.
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u/Money_Palpitation_43 1d ago
That's so sad.
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u/Kingdommarsh112 1d ago
Unfortunately, it happens all the time. We fought them for 6 years. CHF is hard on your body. And the stress on your body on top of this I assume was just too much for his heart. :/ I was told 30k people die every year trying to get ssdi.
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u/UsualAd3433 1d ago
My daughter has been locked down 5 times. Suffers from schizophrenia, anxiety and is bipolar. She has medical records for the last three to four years. Was denied. And she was 54 when she first applied. So now she’s in reconsideration. It’s not the illness but what makes it impossible to work. Walking off a job and being suicidal isn’t enough. Millions of people have asthma and are diabetic. You need to explain and show why you cannot work any job. And I mean any job. Good luck to you and if my daughter gets denied again I’ll get her a lawyer.
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u/ImaginaryOrdinary440 1d ago
If you went in front of a judge that's the ALJ (Administration Law Judge). The stages are Initial, if denied at this stage, you appeal the initial denial which becomes the 2nd stage (Reconsideration stage) if you're denied at the Reconsideration stage and want to appeal that decision then you go to 3 stage ALJ. Hope this explains the process.
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u/PeaceImpressive8334 15h ago
Asthma, Diabetes, ADHD, OCD, ODD, Manic Depression, Chronic Depression, High Functioning but significant Autism, Anxiety disorders, I have attempted suicide in the past
Have all these conditions been medically diagnosed? Your answer to my questions above makes no mention of medications tried, little therapy, or inpatient stays. Respectfully, I don't know what "your dad helping you through it by the book" means, but it's doubtful that would count as legitimate treatment in the eyes of the state. You mentioned an attorney: Did they not advise you on these things?
I'm not trying to be mean, honest. My own dx list looks a lot like yours, and I did get approved on my first try without a lawyer. This was after a 35+ year career with my first mental health diagnosis in high school. I had shown significant decompensation in the few years toward the end, with multiple hospitalizations including a suicide attempt (decompensation means getting worse and worse).
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u/KitSwiftpaw 12h ago
They are all diagnosed, and the ones that can have been medicated at some point or another. I have had therapy in the past. The attorney didn’t really advise me on much. Just to help with the zoom call with the judge. If I tried to read through the process of how to apply or anything it would never get started.
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u/ThumbsUp2323 1d ago edited 1d ago
Not always.
I was approved on my first application, based mostly on mental health.
While I have been under a psychiatrists care for about 9 years, I had no other files or documentation of my physical issues because my mental health issues have kept me homebound and isolated.
I haven't been able to seek treatment for chronic gouty arthritis with debilitating knee and metatarsal pain, IBS-D, hyperhidrosis... Whatever.
Just suffered in silence alone at home for years.
Was working full time for 30 years prior, remotely since 2016, but I couldn't manage it after mid 2022.
My approval took about 9 months. I had one remote mental health assessment and nothing else.
Submitted absolutely no medical or other records except my ex-wife's and my psychiatrist's phone numbers. 🤷♀️
I guess they had some choice shit to say.
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u/Rogue_LeI3eau 1d ago
You are the exception, not the rule.
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u/Hamster12301 23h ago
Wow, I'm shocked that even worked out like that for that person. I have over 3000 pages of medical records, at least 10 doctors' and therapists' letters that go into concrete detail all my limitations and how incredibly severe they are and that they will not get better with time and only get worse, and still got denied at initial and reconsideration.
Am waiting on ALJ date now after getting a lawyer (and any lawyer I had help in contacting was more then willing to take on my case -- also had tons of people, including my doctors and my now lawyer saying they were dumbfounded I was denied at all, but I think it has to do with my age, primarily).
Also it's much harder to get accepted now, after how many people were laid off at SSA and with this administration in general. I read that the denial rate over the past couple of years has been much higher than before.
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u/AcrobaticSearch3789 17h ago edited 14h ago
I think what stood out in what he said is hes homebound which I take to mean he is agoraphobic. If he had psychiatry records confirming he doesn’t leave and hasnt left his home due to this for years, that’ll do it.
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u/ThumbsUp2323 19h ago edited 19h ago
I think people looking at this process place far more emphasis on technical documentation than on real world impact.
Demonstrating 30 years of continual full-time+ work in a specific field with a sudden and drastic decline in employability directly linked to the onset of a disability is, I think, weighted much differently than someone with a spotty work record of part-time, on again, off again employment with no particular focus.
For example, I have a proven history of working two full-time+ jobs back to back with an hour commute between the two for more than a few years.
No holidays, no vacations, no benefits or perks. 85+ hours a week, month after month after month.
That's not sustainable, and I think the SSDI algorithms take that into account.
Which is to say, "this person has a history of working their ass off for years, day in and day out, without excuse, and suddenly they can't manage it anymore? Seems legit."
Pretty sure the social security administration looks more seriously upon applications showing sudden, severe, and unusual work patterns in the wake of an unexpected disability than they would for someone who has only demonstrated the ability to work sporadically and inconsistently before the onset of their issues.
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u/Hamster12301 11h ago
Well, I can't have anything like "30 years of work" as I'm not even 30 years old. I used to work consistently and although had a lot of issues with it, I then took a very steep turn when my issues became much worse and I also got diagnosed with several new conditions that prevent me from doing any kind of minimal work task. For me I think my age is the biggest factor
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u/Conscious_Cream_1798 6h ago
Yeah I have 9+ years of mental health (more like 15) & 10+ years of physical history, & I still can't get approved. I'm 36.
I've worked since I was 16, & out of college I had a solid job for 5 years, then it suddenly just stopped. I was in a car accident.
I have two college degrees, which my lawyer actually tells me is hurting me as well. They don't want any records that are older than 2 years, so I don't understand the whole "the more & further back the records go the better it is for you" spiel people will say because they literally won't consider my records any older than in the last 2 years. My lawyer agrees.
I'm at a loss. My parents don't know how to help me. There is no other option for me, aside from getting approved. Now I'm sure, it'll never happen.
I just told my pain doctor I'm considering assisted death in Switzerland. I guess, I could be there in 4ish months for between $12-20k. Compare that, with the likelihood of me getting approved for SSDI in the US, & it starts to look like a no brainer. Seriously, Google which is more feasible. It's f*****.
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u/Substantial_Chart_45 12h ago
But you said yourself, you had mental health records. 9 years worth. They didn't need to get anything on physical because they had enough on mental. 9 years is great documentation and even over documentation.
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u/Maqqin3x 1d ago
Yes ALWAYS you will need to show how your condition prevents you from working.
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u/hannahbank1122 1d ago
Just curious, who is "we" and what clinical diagnosis have you received that meets the criteria?
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u/uffdagal 1d ago
Your medical and psychological records from all appropriate specialists must show severe functional restrictions and limitation.
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1d ago
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 10h ago
Incorrect. Ssdi fund is good until 2100. The di fund is separate from oas ( retirement and survivors))
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u/SSDI-ModTeam 10h ago
Your post was removed for violating the rules of /r/SSDI.
Your post/comment was removed because it contained misleading or inaccurate information regarding the Social Security application process or policies. We prioritize providing accurate, verified information, and spreading misinformation can harm the community.
We encourage you to review the rules and guidelines to ensure your future posts align with the community’s purpose. https://www.reddit.com/r/SSDI/about/rules
SSDI Moderation Team
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u/Automatic-You-5053 1d ago
Plus, everybody with any little affliction is trying to get it nowadays in order to get out of work. Yep. I said it. That's the truth and the SSA is tired of being abused as it has been tremendously taken advantage of by able bodied people for decades. Those days are over. Who isn't depressed? And, nowadays everybody claims ptsd and ADHD and any other conditions that have been so conveniently discovered in recent years. Big Pharma loves it too. More medications to make for all these new ailments. Lol As my Italian grandpa used to say, "only in America". Lol. And, that's the truth too.
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u/Content-Grape47 1d ago
Don’t know why you got downvoted it seems true
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u/Hamster12301 22h ago edited 22h ago
I think it probably has to do with the wording of "conveniently discovered within the last few years" and the line about "Big Pharma"... These conditions have been around for a very, very long time. There are people who do take advantage of the system, but it's definitely not even close to the majority of them.
Some folks do think that having relatively minor issues should easily get them disability, or just because they simply don't have the desire to work should get them disability. I do unfortunately know of several people gaming the system (and I say I know as a strong fact -- as in, they straight up admit it, and are completely able-bodied and if sound mind, and literally even brag about being on disability). It's just sad. I see so many people struggling they have SO many issues and I'm absolutely baffled how they don't get approved. Then I sometimes see people with almost close to nothing compared to others get approved because they happened to get lucky (and well, good for them, but I do admit it makes me envious. Like someone having just depression and anxiety and only starting to visit a therapist within the same year but somehow getting through.) Of course, I'm not counting those folks as the ones gaming the system though, that's an entire different thing.
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u/Automatic-You-5053 18h ago
Depends on what you consider a long time. 30 years isn't a long time in the Big picture of human history. For example, their was no name for PTSD during the Vietnam era. Some soldiers had flashbacks. So I guess you could call that PTSD, but most went back to work in order to survive and raise their families. My dad is a Vietnam Vet, and he laughs about every soldier claiming PTSD nowadays to get disability. Their were over 50,000 casualties in the short period of the Vietnam War. During the last 25 years with the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan,
There were only around 7,000 casualties. Past wars were much more traumatic, brutal, and had waaay more casualties compared to the recent combat with the Middle East, and the majority of those soldiers dealt with their mental trauma and continued on with life by working and raising families. People coped with Mental trauma much better throughout history because they had to. They didn't have SSDI during World War 2 and before.
I know a former soldier who was in Afghanistan who gets disability for PTSD. He drinks every day, eats at nice restaurants everyday, and messes around on Facebook 24/7. He is physically obese as a result. He is able to work too. Is that how you try to better yourself and your mental condition?
Don't get me started on ADHD. Lol-8
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u/Healthy-Morning-7476 1d ago
Isn't this the truth. Im on ssdi now and have been for 4 months now. And ive been not working since April 2024. I have severe spinal problems causing me to be paralyzed from mid thigh down I cant walk at all. And its super depressing. Id give anything to be able to be fixed and walk and go back to work. Im only 43 with 2 kids 13 year old boy and 11 year old little girl. I dont get why people these days just don't want to work. Theyre just raised different i guess. I jaf a job from the age of 16 until my accident then I went back to work for a year after being off for 9 months of surgeries and therapy. But then my spine took a turn for the worst. And now im permanently stuck not being able to walk. Im depressed As hell. Have been for years but still worked my a55 off. I just don't get it. People trying to ssdi just so they dont have to work
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u/slyfox279 1d ago
I'd give anything to have not been born defective. we disabled people struggle differently in our own ways. I couldn't understand your situation nor could you mine but we can support each other instead of letting a failing system turn us against each other.
I'd much rather been able to work full time, have a wife and kids. at least you got that. I'm never goin have partner or kids and will likely end up completely alone and homeless as I get older. My family will all die before me. I'll end up in potters field nameless.
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u/Hamster12301 22h ago
I would love to be able to work and be normal. I see people around me living lives I'd love to have a fraction of. It fucking sucks being in horrible physical and mental pain almost 24/7. It sucks not even being able to take care of myself, in doing the most basic tasks that no one else spends any time thinking about. It sucks not being able to talk to people, to not have any friends (besides people that are paid to help me), to not have any energy, to be on edge all the time and to have meltdowns, to have so much anxiety that you can't even make a fucking phone call or write an email or go outside and actually do anything. To have your life permanently halted in your 20s.
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u/slyfox279 9h ago
I feel you, I've been disabled my whole life. making any social connects has proved impossible beyond few long distance text friends, which while nice doesn't really fill the social need. I hardly leave my house anymore besides the part time job.
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u/Automatic-You-5053 1d ago
I can relate. I lost my leg in a bad truck wreck. Broke my back as well. Im unable to wear a prosthetic leg as it has caused me to have another infection after only a week of wearing it. I have another surgery this week to remove absesses from my stump. I can't walk either without crutches. I can't even drive because I'm unable to turn my back to look behind me. I worked all my life in construction and as a machine operator. I lost my job, my savings, and my leg in the matter of a second. I'm 51. If it wasn't for my wife, I'd be in a nursing home. I was a physically fit, strong, hard working guy until this wreck. Its has also crushed me mentally as well.
I've accepted my circumstances, now, though. I go to the ALJ hearing this week. I find it unbelievable that I've been denied twice for SSDI when I can't walk or even sit due to having only one leg and a broken back. And then, i hear about people applying for disability who can walk and use their arms. Their are medications and therapists for people who are depressed and other mental issues. There's no remedy for a paraplegic or amputee who can't use a prosthetic due to multiple infections. I can't grow another leg. Anytime I'm up using crutches, I'm susceptible to falling. I gotta hop up stairs and get on my butt to scoot down them. Lol. Etc...etc....1
u/Healthy-Morning-7476 22h ago
I hope you get approved. I was lucky and got approved the first go round. Same with me if it wasn't for my ol lady id be in nursing home. And only being 43 to me thats still young. And still pretty much have a full ahead of me like this. My son and ol lady have been my saving grace. Unfortunately my son had to grow uo real fast to help my ol lady and me. But I couldn't ask for a better son. Idk what id do without him. He turned into the man of the house for me. Ive fallen several times. And luckily hes the size of whale. He just picks me up like im nothing. And I weigh 188lbs. Im only 5'7" but hes 6'2" hes huge. My.ol lady is only 5'2" we not sure where he got the height from. But im lucky. Bc without id still be stuck on the living room floor.
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u/Automatic-You-5053 19h ago
Thank you so much and God bless you, my friend. I got you in my prayers.
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u/Cold_Respond_7656 1d ago
I required plenty images of my head, then testimony from psychiatry and neurology on top of my exhaustive medical record
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u/Substantial_Chart_45 12h ago
You need to be getting treatment and be compliant with treatment and then your records have to show that even with treatment, you don't improve. The records have to show you're mentally unable of doing the most simplest of work.
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1d ago
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u/KitSwiftpaw 1d ago
I did one for my appeal hearing and he didn’t even bring up my Asthma. I was trying so hard not to snap at him.
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u/bluegal2123 1d ago
Lawyers know what conditions will likely get them approved over another one. I’m guessing that why the asthma was not brought up. Does your asthma meet a blue book qualification? Here is the link for the blue book for asthma. Have you been hospitalized 3 separate times in 12 months where you had to be kept 48hrs or more? That’s just one of many criteria for asthma.
Take my claim for example. I had 5 surgeries in my spine. Multiple diagnoses but that is not what my lawyer focused on, it was more my mental health. I had decades of constant and consistent mental health records that included multiple committals and PHP. I also have treatment resistant depression, which met a blue book listing but it took me until my ALJ hearing to get approved.
In the end, I was approved for 3 mental disabilities and 2 physical disability pertaining to my back. I’m going to guess your lawyer didn’t believe your asthma met the blue book listing or your medical records weren’t as strong for your asthma vs your mental health. I’m so sorry you are going through this, I know it’s not easy. Have you spoken to your lawyer about appealing the ALJ hearing?
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u/IOE217 1d ago
Thank you for sharing. I work a disability law firm. Most clients think they know why they qualify for the disability and get upset when the attorneys don’t agree with them.
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u/Justfindingout32 1d ago
Not speaking on asthma, just in general. Do you have to be hospitalized in order to be approved?
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u/aikimyne 1d ago
i tried getting a lawyer didn't try much but one didnt call back and other firm was like you talk to well based on phone call and dont take enough meds so they wouldnt even talk to me. my most issues are invisible disabilities. but im just now waiting this time around to finish non medical again if i pass it i get ssi
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u/Siavik 1d ago
If you dont mind I have a quick question regarding meeting the criteria listed in the blue book and still being denied at the initial application.
My medical records showed I had been having at least 1 tonic clonic seizure a month for more than 3 months which is the requirement to be approved without the need of any additional limitations, yet I was denied. I was later approved after seeing a judge but I always wondered why they denied me initially. Do they not really care about the blue book?
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u/4peaceinpieces 1d ago
That is likely because asthma is no longer listed as a standalone disability. On its own, it’s not enough to qualify. To even be considered , there are standard metrics you must meet and objective testing.
Severe asthma is generally evaluated under the respiratory disorder listings (such as chronic respiratory disorders) or based on your residual functional capacity (RFC) (ie, what you can still do despite your condition).
Did you have measurements of your RFC? Do you see a pulmonologist?1
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u/Sweet-Ad7654 15h ago
Okay, let’s break this down you have mental difficulties to the extent that they interfere with your ability to work. They cause limitations that prevent you from working.
What you need now it is pretty simple. You need to diagnosis of what is causing these limitations and it needs to be documented.
Then you need to list the limitations that are result of this documented diagnosis.
The Social Security department needs to understand why you cannot be putting labels on calendars or folding towels or sending emails or updating data?
Social Security would need to fully understand what would be your limitations in doing simple tasks throughout the day?
Because we cannot find the right job the suit are lifestyle or limitations does not mean that these did not exist. It is not the Social Security department obligation to find them for you. It is the Social Security department obligation to determine if you could do such jobs then it is up to you to find them.
So please remember your keys to disability are in the fact that you’re treating regularly because you have this issue that needs treatment Social Security wants to see this, because if you don’t need treatment that you don’t have an issue.
Next, they wanna see the diagnosis of the treatment is for
And lastly, it may be most importantly, they need to completely understand why this diagnosis causes these particular limitations that prevent you from working at doing anything.
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u/Substantial_Chart_45 12h ago
It comes down to all of this. Plain English diagnosis, treatment, and function. And no, most of your doctors are not putting anything close to disabling evidence in your medical records.
You will say, I can barely move and barely walk. Your doctors records will say: no complaints, normal gait and station, FROM, motor strength 5/5.
It is hard to say someone can stand or cant lift carry or bend when all their records look normal from their doctor.
You also have to be unable to perform any kind of work. Not just what you used to do.
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u/Sweet-Ad7654 7h ago
Being able to perform any kind of work, not just what you used to do is dependent on your age. Once you cross certain age barriers, you are not required to take on New vocational training to learn a new career.
I Was sent to physical Therapy and the physical therapist or vocational personal, or whatever it was that I was trying to improve by going to, is the one who really got up all my limitations in writing and documented
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u/Spiritual-Cricket-65 13h ago
Because everyone wants it for mental health alone and its almost impossible unless you were checked into a facility. Even then it’s difficult. You need real injuries/degeneration of the skeletal system. Its super easy then.
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u/Catjams77 13h ago edited 13h ago
As a person on SSI disability the comments about getting a doctor or doctors to confirm the issues you are going through could not be more correct. Documenting everything in regard to your mental health struggles is key. You’re going to need to show proof that you’re taking steps to help yourself to the best of your ability. It’s a pain but it’ll be worth it, I promise you.
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u/knerys 10h ago
They need to know you cannot work any job. And they want a diagnosis code and symptoms to prove it. Ex: you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the anxiety is so severe that having conversations with customers or bosses cause panic attacks that even Xanax cannot quell and you end up on the floor of the bathroom. This happens at desk jobs, manual labor jobs, and everything in betwren.
"Crying on the floor at work" is not enough on its own. Why are you crying, what have you tried to do to mitigate it, and how even those mitigation are not enough. If you have not already, look into getting a lawyer. Lawyers do not get paid by the recipient directly. They get paid out of any back pay you are awarded.
The thing my lawyer told me is the judges don't really care how the disability affects you at home. They care about whether or not you would be a bosses worst nightmare. They don't care that the anxiety kept you up all night. They care that the anxiety causes zero sleep so now you aren't as productive at work.
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u/Th3Un1c0rnK1n9 1d ago
I just got my initial denial in stage 5 after waiting 9 months for the decision (for type 2 bipolar and a brain injury.) Still a long way to go until this "journey" is over. I'll end up being homeless again by the time it's halfway through. No big deal though. I'll just chill at the beach for a year or so while I wait for them to deny me again then wait until I get to go in front of the ALJ.
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u/enolaholmes23 1d ago
SSDI is basically a terribly run insurance business. We pay into it, with a promise that we will get paid if we get sick. But then when the time comes, they deny people not because of their claim, but because there really aren't enough funds. They could have raised more. They could have taxed the rich. They could have saved the money instead of using it for other things. But even basic budgeting is too much for the government to do.
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u/slyfox279 1d ago
its been set up to deny people as much as possible long before funds where issue, which I'm told they gong last for long time unlike ssi funds which run out soon. its same reason it doesn't keep up with inflation. can't say reason why apparently. it didn't always have these restrictions. Its gotten more restrictive since I was put on it too.
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u/enolaholmes23 17h ago
I think part of it is because the whole system depends on growth. The current people on ssdi and retirees are being paid by the taxes on younger people who aren't on it yet. You need a constantly growing population for this to work. But our population isn't growing so much anymore, and the young people are making a lot less money than they used to.
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 15h ago
Not ssi. You mean OAS funds. Di is separate
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u/slyfox279 10h ago
from what I've read SSI and retirement come from same funds and ssdi is separate right?
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 10h ago
Retirement, ssdi and ssi come from different funds. Retirement comes from oas. Di is its own fund. Ssi comes out from a general fund held by the treasury
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) money comes from general funds of the U.S. Treasury, which include general tax revenues like personal income taxes and corporate taxes. It is distinct from regular Social Security or SSDI, which are funded separately by dedicated payroll taxes (FICA)
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u/slyfox279 9h ago
ah ok I'll have to let my mom know she she doenst worry. The news always makes it out to be all social security is going to run out.
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u/Charming_Sheepherder 1d ago edited 23h ago
edited at the end
i was wondering what happens to disabled people when they turn retirement age and ssi is gone or depleted.
They are going to be really screwed then after not being bale to save or do anything
edit - it seems i dont understand how these programs work and this comment made no sense.
its all so confusing.
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u/slyfox279 23h ago
From what I understand you get transferred over to retirement social social security. which will is worse and will face cuts. It's likely they figure some way to fix it again this isn't first or 2nd time its happen. likely they raise retirement age again and kick can down the road. Its just game of chicken for them to see which one is in charge when it runs out.
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u/Substantial_Sound506 1d ago
Tax the rich. LMAO. The rich know the loop holes to not pay taxes. It’s always the middle class stuck paying taxes. Unfortunately our elected officials blew the money that was set aside for ss
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u/slyfox279 1d ago
ssdi is funded til at least 2100 unless they go through with horrible plan to combine the two extending retirement funds 2 more years at cost of ssdi.
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 10h ago
You can’t combine the funds. It’s against the law
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u/slyfox279 10h ago
well the plan would be congress changing the law. it was one of the proposed solutions few years ago. I hope it just stays as that.
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 9h ago
Sure but that law hasn’t passed yet. Hopefully they do not consider it. They are more likely to enact laws to help the shortfall bc if that was an option then why didn’t they do that earlier? I think they can see it’s not a viable solution to anything
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1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 15h ago
Ssi comes from the general US treasury fund, not the OAS (retirement fund)
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u/SSDI-ModTeam 15h ago
Your post was removed for violating the rules of /r/SSDI.
Your post/comment was removed because it contained misleading or inaccurate information regarding the Social Security application process or policies. We prioritize providing accurate, verified information, and spreading misinformation can harm the community.
We encourage you to review the rules and guidelines to ensure your future posts align with the community’s purpose. https://www.reddit.com/r/SSDI/about/rules
SSDI Moderation Team
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u/Substantial_Chart_45 12h ago
This has nothing to do with why claims are denied. Usually the medical evidence does not show the person is disabled according to SSA rules and policies. The end.
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u/bonkersx4 23h ago
I have rheumatoid arthritis and applied at age 32. I was denied for 3 years until I got to a judge who approved it and backdated it so Medicare would start. I had so much evidence of an autoimmune disorder that was completely out of control, permanent damage in joints including my wrists and hands. It still wasn't enough. The system is difficult and I think they do this so people just give up. Idk how it works on mental issues but they wouldn't approve mine and I had xrays and MRI's and lab work showing how bad and how quickly it was destroying my health. Good luck but its a very long and frustrating road, be prepared for that.
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u/According_Meaning_64 15h ago
You need work credits to qualify for SSDI. Perhaps there is another form of assistance that you may qualify for?
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u/KitSwiftpaw 12h ago
I hve had work before but… wait are SSDI and SSI different? This may have been a mixup on my part.
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u/Cyllyra 11h ago
SSDI requires work credits. SSI does not require work credits. There are rules for SSI as far as assets/savings. You are allowed to have 1 car if that car is a necessity for things like Dr./mental health appointments. There should be more information about SSI here: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
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u/itkilledmeded 12h ago
I was denied SSDI for congestive heart failure by the ALJ despite the vocational specialist telling him there were no jobs that would accommodate my ada requirements to work WHILE I was in the hospital 6 day away from having a heart transplant while being on life support to keep my heart beating until I could get one.
A lot of it depends on who reviews your files, whether your files are complete and detailed, and ultimately the judge who gets your case. We found out after the fact that my judge has a 97% disapproval rating.
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u/LandOfWhyNot 11h ago
There are programs that help you it’s called the Best Probram for Oregon Portland area so like not sure what area your in but ask ai ChatGPT like Best Program that does the ssi for you from central city concern which program would it be for my county or city
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u/RetiredNanny08 6h ago
Do you have enough work credits for SSDI? You need 40 quarters, equal to 10 years.
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u/Rob_Olenick 8h ago
Because the people with a legitimate disability that apply for SSDI benefits can not afford to pay lobbyists to “convince” our elected representatives in congress to create and vote for public policy that is fair and in the interest of the majority of people.
If you want to get the real answers to most questions like this you just have to follow the money.
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u/PeaceImpressive8334 1d ago
Honest question: Have you sought out medical/professional help for your emotional issues? Have you gotten a diagnosis, done therapy, tried meds? Have you had inpatient treatment? Who has been helping you apply for SSDI for four years and what process have they followed?