Found out two weeks ago from my new attorney, exactly one week before my hearing...didn't have to go to the hearing. It's still now barely "hitting" me. I've been denied for three years prior to this, but now...wow it finally happened.

I fired my old attorney in February and got a referral for apparently an awesome attorney because I didn't even have to go to my hearing lol. I got my fully favorable approval letter a couple of days ago, and a letter to come in to the local office next week to give them more info for payment.

Does anyone know what I could bring with me, or need to know, to that appointment, in order to make things go smoother and faster?

Hi their Kittpaw, i'am very happy for you i'am sure you feel some relief.Well this is my second round,tried 2 yrs ago on my own had the workers comp dr's favorable on my side wich i thought would be enough, but no not for ssi their reason for denial was they know i am in a lot of pain but i could still ambulate.Yes thank god i could ambulate with my cane,well hired an ssd lawer now in reconsideration level, hoping soon i wiil be as happy as you.Did find out how far back will the re-troactive payment go? If you can please reply thks!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Those of us who have been through the SSI/litigation mill know how much that stress can seem to put your life on hold.

I hope you will allow yourself a little celebration.

Proof of all monthly income received since the date of application; any bank statements you have saved (probably should save them for the future); your bank routing number and account number for direct deposit; all addresses you have had since you applied and the effective date of those addresses; names of all the people you lived with, the amount of the rent, the amount you paid (if any); information about the income and resources of your spouse that you live with (if any); SSN's of spouse and minor children.

Then it depends upon how you answer the questions exactly what else is needed. Anything that proves your income, resources or living arrangements. If family members or friends have been giving you money or free shelter, SSI will need to know when and how much and if you made any official agreements (in the past, not the present) about whether or not you owed money and how much.

Dspine...thanks!!...yep it's been a total of 3 years for me almost to the month so I understand the long drawn out battle that goes on.

My latest claim is dated May 6, 2013 so I'm thinking that's how far my backpay will go. Of course, the attorney fee will be deducted, as well as a buttload of cash aid too, which totally sucks. Just make sure your doctor supports your claim and is compliant with any forms SSA needs...my attorney told me that is why I won my claim this time. I could just kiss and hug my psychiatrist and therapist for being so supportive for me, compared to the ones on my last claim. I have different ones for this one because of being shuffled around to different locations by the county mental health system - so glad they did because the old clinic wasn't at all helpful with SSA.

I wish you lots of luck - you have a wonderful attitude

I know how you feel.....when they told me I had been approved this past Jan I was in total shock. Never thought it would happen. I had about 3 weeks where I would be happy, sad and cry. I also had some feelings of guilt even though I should not have. I had worked and paid into the system since I was 15 and I'm 51 now

I'm very glad this is finally over for you. And as always I wish the best of luck to everyone still fighting hard for disability.

Debi from Georgia

Thanks you guys!

Like St. George, now I'm sad. I don't understand this. After all this time and waiting, I'm finally approved, and I'm sad. Maybe because this is really a confirmation that I'm truly a disabled person....the old me who found identity and status through being a working person is gone .

I don't mean to be ungrateful, just surprised I'm sad after all this.

I felt the same way when I "won" my MVA lawsuit. It forces a profound redefinition of one's sense of self. It takes time. For now, just try to be relieved that the "process" is over.

Do like I do......

Consider yourself "RETIRED."