Hi, all,

My experience was a little different. As I was being pushed out of my job by my boss, I went into the SS office and applied for SSDI; I also obtained the forms to apply for LTD from my employer. Both required reports from all my healthcare providers but no outside confirmation or exams. I had my first SSDI check in about 6 weeks - about $1000. The employer based LTD took about 6 months (also about $1000/month), but then I got "back pay" also. This does not nearly replace my paycheck, but it's doable. I was able to continue my health insurance, but had to pay full price (no help from employer) until Medicare kicked in. I had lined up a lawyer, but he said there was nothing for him to do until I was turned down and wanted to appeal - then he would take it on contingency. He was never needed.

I guess I was really lucky.

Sasha