SSD fast-track?

[londonteatime]

I applied on Feb. 6. I got a bunch of paperwork to fill out about 2 weeks later and it took me awhile to complete everything -- there were 3 packets! I called the Examiner assigned to me (he was very terse and unfriendly, grrrrr) and told him I have been very sick lately and needed more time to get it done. He told me to fill it out ASAP and send it, otherwise it wouldn't factor into their decision. He followed that up with a letter which sounded like they were getting ready to make a decision.

This seems really fast to me. They previously said I'd hear in 3 months but a worker told me it would probably be closer to 5 months. Shoot, we're only at 5 weeks. I don't know if this is a good or a bad sign!

For those who have been through it, does this seem to be moving quickly to you?

Julie

[raggedyann1]

Julie,

I had similar experiences and it still took 9 months to get approved. They always set very short due dates with the threat that if it is late it won't factor in. what I would do is check with each doctor to see if they have had a request from soc sec for your files and if they have sent them in yet. I have seen on this board where soc sec doesn't even request records from some doctors.

Take care,
Karen

[londonteatime]

Gosh, Karen, I would be delighted if it just took 9 months! I'm scared to death that it will drag on for 2 years, as so many here have reported! By then, I'd be homeless.

Julie

[macfamily53]

Dear Julie

I know it is very scarey when listening to there. You need to try not to if you can. It does not always happen that way with everyone. I was told so much alos julie and we did go through sdome stuggles by the time we got it but it took a year total to get it but did nto have as much going on wiht my health at the time as you do so try to just not stress yourself and nopt listen to everyone else.JUst hang in there and i hope it happens real soon for you julie.(((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))

Tammy
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[lazylegs]

One of the times I spoke to them they said they had all these open cases because people would start the process then forget about it. With the time limit they figure you will get right on it. If you don't they can close the case. Late last year my husband read an article saying they were working on speeding up the process. So many people were in such financial straits by the time they were approved that they were going to streamline the process. Mine took 6 months. I suggest you go back and read some of the older posts on this thread. There were many useful tips.

Take care,
Lazylegs

[londonteatime]

Lazylegs,
I have read the older posts here. Frankly, most are depressing and I get worried. Also, the letter I got didn't say they close the case if you don't respond; it said they will make the decision based on the information they have, without your input. I called the examiner assigned to my case and told him I needed more time and he said he would make a note on my file that I was struggling with the paperwork.

On the Social Security website, I read some articles saying they were speeding up the process and that the workers can flag applications that they believe show obvious disability and move them through faster. Also, I believe they got rid of the reconsideration step. From what I read, it seems that the new procedures did not have to go through Congress and were just subject to a 90-day reading and discussion period and I believe this period ended in October.

Thus, I was wondering if anyone has heard if these changes are now in effect. I can't seem to find a timetable for implementation but it seems that those of us who have recently applied may fall under the new policies. I hope so!

Tammy, thank you for the encouragement! I have savings to get me through about 18 months but if it goes longer than that, I'm in trouble!

Julie

[flowergarden]

Julie, I used a company who specializes in social security disability applications. They told me that the SSA likes to push the applicant. (I remember stressing about that, too.) They said the important thing is to keep the adjudicator appraised of what is going on, and still do it as quickly as you can. If you need to have a friend or relative help you, it might be a good idea.

Don't alienate the adjudicator with constant calls, but do show concern. My adjudicator was a really nice guy, seemed to be listening, but still denied my claim. It was denied upon appeal, too.

However, I won 14 months after my application. The company wrote up an "on the record" decision request. I was prepared for it to take another 2 years, but it only took about a month after that.

I've heard of the proposals to change the SSDI process, but I have no idea when that might happen. As far as I'm concerned, it's way past due!

Good luck. If you have more questions, we're here! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clover.gif