I hope this is very simple for someone to answer.

On March 17th I applied for SSDI online. Today I received the Work History form to complete. I am a bit confused as to where in the process my claim is. I have not been sent for any medical exams or been asked to complete any other forms except the Authorization for release of medical records.

I have not been contacted via phone or mail to let me know who is working my claim. Should I expect that?

I know this process can be long drawn out & frustrating but if I know what the step/phases are maybe I won't stress over it as much.

Is there somewhere that I can go online that will give me a simple explanation of what the steps are and what they may need from me at each step?

Thanks in advance your help.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/


I applied by phone. Received all the necessary paperwork within 10 days of my phone call.

Hi erica1000,
I applied online also. It was in 2006 and If I remember correctly Social Security sent me the authorization to release my medical records form requesting my signature about 10 days after I applied online. I returned it to SS and I received a letter from them about two weeks later with the information regarding my claim such as my claim number, the name of my Claims Representative, and to let me know that they would send me a status update after they recieved and reviewed my medical records from my treating physicians.

I was not required to go to any of their medical exams. Not sure why but I didn't ask why either I imagine others in this forum have been sent to medical exams by Social Security and hopefully they will let you know about the process and their experiences.

This whole process can be confusing at times as well as frustrating. Please try to take a deep breath and not let the process or the decisions they make overwhelm you. When you are overwhelmed, come here and vent!

Ask as many questions as you want. We are happy to help because we have been where you are right now and understand what you are going through.

Good Luck and God Bless,
Shari

Hi,

Just wanted to add my two cents, hope no one minds: Back when I had to apply, someone on BT told me about a book called: Nolo's Guide to Social Security. I went to the library, checked it out, took it home and it took me step by step through the application process. I was approved on the first try. I have since bought the book, just to have on hand as it is a wealth of information.

Hopefully it will help you and anyone else applying.

take care,
Dee

Wow, wish I would've known about that book when I filed for SSDI. Probably wouldn't have taken two denials and three years to finally get my claim approved.

I think it's great that you are posting the information about that book Dee. Hopefully it'll give others a way to file and win their claims without all that uncessary stress.

Shari

Thank you for telling people about that booklet. I didn't know about the step by step directions. I went to a para legal to guide me through the process. There are hurdles apparantely that most people have to go through to get their coverage. Don't give up. ginnie