Just Applied For SSDI/SSI in Person.
 

Hello everyone, hope you're all doing ok!

I just came back from my appointment to apply for SSI. I had to have my bf drive me because its a long drive to the SS that serves my area. It took about an hour and twenty minutes or so to get to the office.

Anyhow, the application process seemed to go really smoothly. The waiting area was packed with people, but most of them apparently didn't have appointments. They were complaining and stuff, and I think many of them were just there for other related legal issues like changing their name and stuff. But since there was so many and they were upset at having to wait, they opened up some other windows and called more people back. Luckily, I only waited maybe 30 minutes.

I finished as much as I could of the adult disability form online to save time, and the guy who actually received me and put in my application was very nice and patient. It was just basic questions, so I guess not much was put into the actual medical side of it. I assume that kind of stuff will be addressed once I hear from the other office. They told me the approval stuff was handled by a different place and that they'd call me with what I needed. So I was actually kind of over prepared. In fact, the guy said he had intended to call and inform me that the interview could be done over the phone, but that he had basically forgot! (Which is ok, anyhow, because I sort of like to see people in person, though I coulda done without the sitting!)

So now I guess I wait until I hear from this other office. I guess I should probably call the law firm I am in touch with too, to let them know that I qualify for SSDI pending medical approval. I was told that I hadn't worked long enough for that in the past, but I guess 2010 put me over the limit on what I needed. So that is sort of good, I guess.

All in all, the application was pretty easy. I felt really awful physically, from sitting all that time--but other than that, the actual process of applying was easy.

Thank you for letting us know of your experience applying in person at your local office.

I originally went to my local office back in "2000." The end of the lines (3) were outside! :eek: I turned right around & applied over the phone.
With the economy the way it is now, I bet the lines are now wrapped around the outside of the building ending in the next state! :D

The SSDI news is great! Did you check to see if you qualify for "children's benefits" on one of your parents work records as well? You can apparently collect both.

I actually didn't ask him about that specifically, since he mentioned the SSDI. I can probably call or ask the other person who calls me, I guess. I didn't know it was different or collectible at the same time.

Also, I live in a rather rural area so that probably helps with crowding. The agent/worker I spoke with said their business is pretty erratic. Sometimes they have no one in the building at all, and then other times it is so packed that they 'call in reinforcements'. So while its a rural area, the office covers a huge wide area, he listed several counties. So maybe it would improve the waiting period and work load if they created some more offices.

Please don't wait, call back right away.

I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience with social security. Wait until the weeks turn to months, then to years. Those helpful people at social security will seem like they are sent from the devil to retrieve your soul. Just kidding, but it's kinda funny.

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The OP is handling his application in a thoughtful manner. He's been careful about obtaining his records. He's asking questions and doing research. He's had both a severe physical and mental disability claim stemming from childhood. He's sought professional legal help.

It is entirely possible his application might be approved early and without the issues you faced.

**

It took me 2 applications with a few major errors by SS along the way. I also lengthened the process by doing a few stupid and stubborn things along the way. But, I received a Fully Favorable Decision going back a year before my first application.

The fact that you conceded a later onset date and required your birthdate to lessen the standard, shows you maybe applied a bit too early in the process...

** Did you read the last line about kidding. Sometimes a dry, off the wall reply is healthy. As far as possibly applying too early in the process, I became disabled May 31, 2002 and applied August 2, 2004. I actually waited 2 years longer that I could have to apply.

One last point, you conceded to an onset date of 3/01/06, as you stated in a different post. So you've agreed that you couldn't meet SS's higher medical legal definition of disability, until years after and with a lower standard, then you started the process...

**. As far as conceding, I didn't concede. Once social security determined that I didn't qualify, rather than appeal that decision I appealed to at least get something rather than nothing. **

SSA is closing offices and losing staff by attrition since there is a hiring freeze. SSA is pushing internet usage, self-help claims. There will be fewer employees, fewer buildings. People in rural areas will be farther from services. But the is part of the reason people choose to live in rural areas.

Adults Disabled Before Age 22 Link:

http://ssa.gov/dibplan/dacpage.shtml

If you addressed this before and I'm just forgetting, than ignore the following... Have you checked out your state's disability program? In Cali you have to apply within 12 months of the last time you worked. It is usually an easier and faster process than SS.