I received a phone call from the local ss dept today - the lady that had originally taken my disability application - and she stated I had been awarded! This was fantastic news. I applied in August 08. My husband came home and asked me questions about it - and now he has me worried. Do they normally call and notifiy of the award by phone call? She stated who she was, but had me verify my name, date of birth and ss#. This is what worries my hubby. She also in the conversation, asked for my drivers lic#. She at no time asked for my banking info- I had set that up for direct deposit. She stated the letter would follow within 30 days, took my daughters ss # also that is a minor. Also asked if I had any felonies, etc. Does this sound out of normal procedure? Hubby was just worried this was so fast, that maybe this could be a fraud call. But she seemed to know alot without me asking..... Maybe we are just too used to things not going right. Whats your thoughts please - ease my mind? Or should I just call her tomorrow to verify (hate to sound really stupid calling.....) Thanks.

I think your husband is right to worry. I never received a phone call from SSA. Only a letter in the mail when I received my favorable judgment. It also sounds VERY strange for SSA to ask about your SSN. They are, after all, the government agency that assigned it to you. And driver's license number? What in the world do they need that for?

I'm sorry to say that you may have become a victim of identity theft. Let your bank and credit card companies know right away!

Well, I couldn't sleep all nite due to this. I called SS immediately this am trying to get hold of the lady I spoke to - I ended up leaving a vm on her phone. I then called the main SS disability number and talked to someone voicing my concerns. They did assure me that I had been awarded - so am thinking this was an honest call - but they did state that SS should not ask you for your ss# - which this lady did. She asked me to verify my #. So when I do get hold of her, I am going to ask her why they did this and also why they need my drivers lic ...?? I was told I should be getting my award letter soon - guess good news is hard work!

Hi Lindkaye,

In my experience, I was phoned by Social Security as well to tell me that I was approved. I was able to ask their reason/s, for future reference. The lady I spoke with sounded very compassionate and kind.

I had to go into the local office, with my paystubs. And did have to give all of the same info over the phone though too. Name, SS#, telephone number, and something else (dates?). That was for SSI though. SSDI wasn't a possibility due to not working enough hours prior to disability.

Congratulations! Best wishes

Glad it seems to have worked out for the best, lindkaye. Congrats.

I got a phone call today from SSI

Happyatlast - Congratulations! Guess I was just a little aprehensive with the phone call I received. Since then, I have received my award letter, plus a day later, my daughters award letter (since she will be receiving benefits due to me). All for the good. They stated my review would not be for at least 5 years, so I guess I fall into the category of not expecting to make a full recovery. It seems so ironic - I so wanted the award of being declared "disabled" for my self and family, to be recognized for the pain and problems I have, the financial help really was needed. But then when it is awarded, I felt depressed in a way because it is recognizing my condition and SS also realizes my recovery will probably never happen - which makes it more real to me.

When SS reviews you they will decide if you are permantely disabled.

Barbara

Lindakaye, you're right to be cautious of phone calls like that. Banks and most government agencies will never ask for personal information like that over the phone.

Whenever you're in doubt that the caller is legitimate just ask for a number that you can call them right back on.....so you can verify that they are who they say they are. Not a direct line to their desk...but a main number where you can be transferred to them. If they won't give it to you then I'd venture to say the call is not legit.

I'd never give any of my personal information over the phone and most reputable agencies and businesses understand that. Good luck!

That is exactly what I felt. It does make it better that the "disabled" part of it is now recognized, but it sure seals the deal. They told me my review would be in 7 years, I guess that seals the other part lol.

But the financial help is really nice. I got the tax information today, and went down to HR block to get the taxes done because I had income from 2003. They were really nice in there, fixed me up to where I dont have to pay any taxes, and did it for free even.

I recommend seeing a tax person for the lump sum, it will alleviate all the stress.