Hi all! So, I received a letter from Social Security yesterday and it stated that I met the medical requirements for disability benefits and they have not yet made a decision whether I meet the nonmedical requirements, but will make that decision soon. Does this look like I am being approved?? Thoughts??

Thanks!
Nanc

It sounds like they have found you to be totally disabled, but they are looking at if you had enough working quarters or weren't past your date last insured date (for SSDI) or meet the income and asset limits for SSI.

Which were you applying for and are you sure you meet the non medical requirements ? If so, it sounds like congratulations are in order !

I would think most people would know where they stand on the non medical issues from the beginning of the process, so the medical approval would be the "tough part"

Thanks for your reply Finz!

I know I have enough credits since I have worked continuously since I was 17 years old and am now 46 (almost 47). Last day I actually worked was Dec 28, 2012. I did not apply for SSI only disability as my husband is working, we have a house, car and some savings.

As far as nonmedical, I wasn't sure what all they look for there...

Well, that stuff is all of the nonmedical stuff that I know of that they would have to check. Sounds like your quarters and date last insured will be no problem, so it should just be waiting for the approval.....

I hope that you get your official letter soon !

Hey again Finz! I looked at my application status again a few minutes ago and it has changed, says a decision has been made and I will receive it by US Mail. I signed on to my social security and it now says that I will receive my next payment Oct 9, 2013!!! That info wasn't there yesterday....I can't believe it!

I hope the mail carrier delivers this letter to my house this time...the last one went to my neighbor

Congratulations Nanc !

It's always a relief to know that you've gotten approval. Even though the money isn't near the paychecks you've grown used to, at least you know that something regular is coming in and that (eventually) you'll have the MC option for healthcare if you need it. For me, it was also a validation that I wasn't "faking it", "milking it", or this was "all in my head" because those were some of the attitudes that I've gotten since my battle with pain and disability began.

How long has the process been for you ? Are you due for a big backpay check ? Any plans for spending it ?

Thanks finz! Yes, such a huge relief it is. And I agree with you on the validation, part of me is "see, this is real even though you can't see it!!" Definitely not even close to the salary I was bringing in, but at least I can contribute something! My husband works for the govt and they have furloughs going on right now, one day per week without pay for 11 weeks. We used my entire 401k to pay towards refinancing the mortgage so we could keep our house. I am not driving so we sold my husbands truck. We cut where we could and this money will help!!

Now for the shocking part...I applied on April 11, 2013 and was approved this week. The last day I worked was Dec 28, 2012. So I am not sure that there will be any backpay. I used to be I a financial and human resource manager, I was super organized when I applied. I had all of my medical records to send in too.

I was denied short-term and long-term disability through my employers insurance carrier and just filed an appeal for that. Not sure what happens if they approve when I have been approved for SSD also. The insurance is supposed to pay 60% of my salary, I think the insurance supplements the difference between the SSD benefit and the 60% ???

Well, doh, Bang-Head: You had said that you just stopped working last December.....apparently I forgot to turn my brain on today !

Great job on the quick approval ! That does sound odd though that STD and LTD both turned you down when you have enough documentation to convince the SSA.

I don't know exactly how they figure it out, aside from knowing you wouldn't normally get both LTD and SSDI at the "full" rates.

I had WC, which would be max 60% of my pay, but they had decreased me to partially disabled which I think was 40 or 45% when I was approved for SSDI. I still received my "full" SSDI amount, but my children's benefit was drastically reduced until I stopped receiving WC.

I would think that now you can go back to your disability provider and fight for those benefits with proof that you are disabled. You paid for that insurance !

That's ok, my brain shuts off often...lol!

Hopefully with the amount of paperwork I sent the STD/LTD carrier for the appeal, the decision will be overturned!! The box of paperwork I sent them weighed 10 pounds....lots of records Now, when I receive the official letter from Social Security I will forward it to the insurance carrier (hopefully it will come soon). I really thought I would get STD & LTD WAAAAY easier than SSD. It amazes me how they can collect premiums like they do and turn people down like that. It just proves that they are not in business to pay claims, only collect premiums!

Dear Nanc - Congrats and best wishes for you! I stopped working Oct 2012. I have STD and it ends in Oct 2013. I am on COBRA and have no spouse, so no second income or insurance. I have RSD whole body symptoms from injury Spring 2012. As a homeowner in my 50s with a mortgage, I am definitely worried. I plan to apply to SSDI (I guess that is the right acronym) soon. It was suggested to me to organize medical papers in binders. Did you do that or how did you organize your documents when sent? Many thanks !