[swOkie]

Posted almost 3 months ago after having ALJ hearing. Hearing went very well, but since then have been having multiple tia's and on 10-09-2012 appears to have had another small stroke, didn't go to hospital no insurance (I know stupid but still, can't keep racking up more and more medical bills). Also wife's work place is for sale, making for more instability. After my ALJ hearing my representative informed us that the ALJ was backlogged and it could take 1 to 1 1/2 years to get a decision. I guess we didn't realy think it would take that long. My wife god bless her, took the tiger by the tail and called my representative and laid out our situation, and ask if they could explain our hardship to the ALJ and see if he could expedite our decision. My representative gave her the go around about there was noting they could do and even if they explained the situation to the judge it wouldn't help. So in other words they aren't willing to even talk to the judge. So my wife called our congressman's office and explained our situation to his representative to see if they could at least put in an inquiry. We were told if a congressman or senator inquires into you case that SSA has to report monthly on progress or lack of progress. Well the person at the congressmans office was nice but said they couldn't help.
Basically was wondering if anyone had any suggestion that we can do to maybe expedite my dicision? It is not just the money aspect, but the medical especialy. I can not imagine my primary physician will keep me as a patient or even refill my medicsation without seeing me for more than a year. There are already some medications I need I just can't afford. and those I have gotten are harder to afford.
Don't mean to sound all whiney, just been a long hard road to have gotten this far, to only find out it maybe another year or more. If anyone has any recommendations they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and god bless you

[finz]

I'm sorry swokie that I don't have any answers/solutions for you.

I just wanted to comment that I think it's ridiculous to have to wait up to 1.5 years for the decision on a hearing that already happened. I understand it would take a judge some time to write it up, but I believe it would take far less time if it was written just after the hearing, not 1.5 years later when the judge can't remember the details. It would make much more sense if they didn't schedule more hearings until the past ones were written up.

I'm sorry for what you are going through.

[Jomar]

Maybe something here will be helpful-
https://www.allsup.com/personal-fina...your-area.aspx
http://coverageforall.org/states/okl...h-coverage.htm

[swOkie]

I had basically the same post on another forum sight. Basically was told by a member buck stops here and there was nothing no one could do. And they didn't seem to think 12-18 months was unreasonable. Am I alone in believing 1 - 1/2 years is not only unreasonable but unfair?
Reason we were looking at a congressman, was I had read on hear and other forum sites of congressmen and senators being utilized to expedite ALJ hearings, to expedite back pay when it had been over an unreasonable time frame, etc. Thought my situation would be simular to back pay situation. My understanding once a congressman or senator has inquired about a case, SSA has to report monthly on the progress or lack their of on a monthly basis. Therefore usualy expediting whatever the process is. I am not asking for an unfair advantage, just to know my rights as a citizen. Jo*mar thanks for the links but last April we were taken off sooner care (medicaid) cause my wife started working for $7.50 hr. Just like many that have gone thru the process, just looking to finaly having stability in my family's life again. Also be nice to be able to contribute into the family again. Again any help is more than appreciated. God Bless you all

[Mz Migraine]

Am I alone in believing 1 - 1/2 years is not only unreasonable but unfair?

No you are not the only one. Unfortunately, most states have a serious backlog. And due to the current depression/recession, the backlogs are getting worse. More people now are applying for SSD than ever before.
It took 18 months for me to get a ALJ hearing. This was back in 2005! The current average wait time for an ALJ hearing in my state is 2-3 years.
As for your congressman - don't vote for him again. Try the senator. And if he/she does not help you, do not re-elect him/her. Simple as that.

There are already some medications I need I just can't afford. and those I have gotten are harder to afford.

Always ask your treating physicians for samples. Also, check out this website: Needy Meds

Read the sticky threads at the top of this site. More info there that may help you.

[echoes long ago]

you arent being served well by your congressman. fire him or her in the election. try both senators if you have to.

[swOkie]

Thanks for you answers.
I do understand the backlog is excessive to get a Hearing, I have already past the hearing stage and waiting on a decision. By reading this and other forums as well as being told by my local office the average wait time for a dicission is 1-3 months.
And feel that 1 to 1/2 years for a decision is unfair. As far as my congressman, my wife called his office and spoke with a secretary or such, I think a written letter may be more appropriate. It may or not. On the other forum site the member also told me that the ALJ only answers to the Chief ALJ. So basically the ALJ has an indefinite time to make a decision and as a citizen I have no recourse. I thought the ALJ worked for SSA and that SSA was funded by the government, so when a congressman or senator inquires into a case that SSA has sway to expedite the process. Much like when I was able to work, if someone complained to the company I worked for I was not doing my work in a timely manner. My boss would set a time frame to get the job done. I know the government is different, but didn't think that much. Sorry for the rambling. Again thanks for your help. If you or anyone has any ideas/suggestion or just where I might look and find answers, it will be more than appreciated. Oh have a last question if we start contacting the ODAR where I had my hearing monthly (basically becomming the squeeky wheel) would that help or hurt? Again thanks

[Jomar]

Have you had any recent contact with someone in the "system" at least to know you are still in the system and your papers/case hasn't been "lost"?

[swOkie]

Jo*mar - No, we have been calling local SSA office monthly to check on progress, and it has never moved from the judge. We were adviced by my representative not to contact ODAR ourselves, and they would do so after 6 month. We are beginning to think my representative just wants to preserve their working relationship with the judge and doesn't want to cause waves. If we begin contacting ODAR on a monthly basis should it be helpful or can it cause a backlash.

[Red Flowers]

I'm also in OK and I'm still working on my SSD appl. From reading this and a couple other posts on another forum,it's not looking good for me. I'm so scared about what I'm gonna do if it takes a long time. Which Congressman did you contact. I wouldn't try Coburn either,he's trying to get them to cut most people off of it. I hope you don't have to wait that long. it's not fair to make people wait so long to get approved and then even longer to get any money. Most people are destitute and they know it.