Just got my first of many SSDI checks today!!! I haven't even gotten the papers to say that I qualified...so anyone who is going through the SSDI roller coaster, stay on and hold tight...it's coming to you soon!!!

Cindi,

Congratulations? This always feels like a weird thing to congratulate people about. It's hard to celebrate that you've proved you're so severely disabled you qualify... I completely understand the relief though!

Checks, not direct deposit? It is faster and safer to sign up for direct deposit. Checks do get lost or stolen.

It would be very helpful for those in the process to explain if there was a difference/s in this 2nd application that was approved as opposed to your first unsuccessful application. TY!

Congrats. Don't spend it all in one place! lol

How does the disability work, I am missing a lot of work since I received my pain stimulator and need to do something!!

I'm so happy that you now have one less thing to worry about. I know you waited a long time for this.

congratulations. I hope mine shows up soon. I was approved in august. but because of WC it is being held up.

It was a direct deposit, I should have added....I know it does feel weird telling someone congrats on this, but I feel finally vindicated because they gave it to me on my RDS dx....I have been without insurance and income for 3 1/2 years and it has put a huge strain on our family, so I will take that congratulations!

My advice to getting the SSDI is definitely get a disabilty lawyer, it is soooo worth it. It was my 2nd time applying and with my lawyer it took exactly 4 months to get approved. I let her handle everything and all I did was show up for the appts.

Check to see if your state offers medically needy Medicaid--which you might qualify for now that you've been approved for SSDI. Now that that you've been approved other resources become more easily available... Not every state offers it, but it's worth looking into.

3 1/2 years is a long time. Please share anything you learned to make the journey easier for others. If you haven't read up on the CDR process, check out the thread I started about them in SSD forum. They're not a big deal if you know what to expect, but they can headaches for the uninitiated.

Congrats Cindi,
Like LitLove said...it is so sad we have to congratulate each other on getting SSD. Sad but a reality in our life for sure. Now you may be ready for the "Big Leagues" like me lol...riding the handicapped bus. What a treat that is here in PA. I think I am doing good and have lots of strength but just going through the process of pick-up and drop-off and the nastiness of some people (and other patrons) is horrible. I feel like such a dufus when I go through this scenario. Most people think because we are injured/disabled we are total idiots. I am trying to get through that problem all the time. And now you have your SSD you can begin the never-ending paper process of Medicare/Medicaid, etc...the fun never stops. I make so many phone calls, type letters, etc. I feel like I need a secretary anymore. Most people think we sit home and eat bon-bons all day (I can't wait for that to happen) lol. Welcome to the "Big Leagues!"

I think I am probably the only one here that had absolutely no problem with getting SSD. I filled out the paperwork, had someone drop it off, and by the fourth month got a letter saying I had it. No appointments, no attorney, nothing. Strange huh? Although with everything else in life I had a hard time. Go figure.

Good luck with everything and if you need any help from us here please feel free to ask. We all have a wealth of information and it is a great place to get quick info.
Take care,
kathy d