I'm in the reconsideration catagory. My reconsideration was done in another state and took about 8 months for my award. Is that how it usually works?

Those that are uneducated, don't speak English, etc. actually have an easier time getting approved if they have a borderline case... This is because they can't adapt to the job market as easily.

I wasn't a good advocate for myself during different stages of my application process... (I was less functional then in some ways then I am now.) I ultimately prevailed at the ALJ level without an attorney. Understanding what is required to prove a SSD case feels like learning a foreign language that very few people speak (including many successful SSD benefactors) and I know that I know just the basics, where as someone like Janke is a native speaker...

The REALITY is that once you are disabled, I would estimate most people will experience a decline in their standard of living. Many must seriously consider relocating if they live in an area that has a high cost of living.

One more thing about Janke--it blows my mind that anyone that spends any amount of time at this forum, doesn't realize what an amazing resource she is. IMO, she states the facts and is not overly biased towards SS. She just gives solid info. This is more valuable IMO, then some that are here to provide moral support, but are clueless about the intricacies of the rules and regs.

Those that win on there 1st application at the 1st stage, sometimes make assumptions about why they were successful, that they think will relate to others, but just doesn't. The problem with a poor application (and this can include MANY different issues) is that you can't "unring a bell". That application will ALWAYS be part of your record. AND, if you do a thorough application in the beginning, the process can seem quite easy, whereas a bad initial application can turn into a battle that can take YEARS.

There are a few experts (or insiders) on the forum like Janke and left-handed.