I'm at stage three of the disability claim process. A judge will hear my case and decide if I am able to work. I'm terrified. I know I cannot withstand the heightened anxiety levels (yet). The judges decision will not change that. Its incredibly frightening to have my well-being in the hands of a stranger who doesn't know me and anxiety makes it so difficult to advocate for myself. I shutdown. I work so hard to manage and contain my physical and mental symptoms on a daily basis at home. Doing that takes all the energy I have. I'm so angry at the dishonest people who have made this process so difficult.
With time, maybe I can help others as they take the necessary steps to help themselves. That's my long-term hope.
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Rockhound11-2
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Hi Rockhound11-2, The disability application process in the US is a disaster. I think the hope is you’ll get so frustrated with it you’ll give up on it. If you’re denied you can always appeal the decision, many people have to do that to get approved. Take it easy on yourself, do what you can when you can. Hope you get a favorable decision on your case. 🙏
theyre known for the use of plants and private detective sorts to monitor you going about your day. I imagine it depends on the case I think it would be challenging to watch everyone.
They do not use 'plants and private detective sorts' to monitor. Where did you get that information ? I've been through the process and and was fortunate to get approved on first application. My attorney worked with me to provide all pertinent information for the best outcome.
First hand I know this. they do I went through it as well. was approved first application. yes they do investigate, I had an insightful conversation with one of them face to face. I didn’t need an attorney I had no trial only phone interviews. who told you they do not investigate for fraud? maybe things have changed since I was approved in a very timely fashion. It was nothing like everyone said it was going to be like. congratulations on being accepted they do not award everyone.
here you go bethelbee. Yes, the Social Security Administration conducts surveillance to investigate potential fraud or to decide if a person is still disabled under their definition of disability.
SSA surveillance activities include:
Monitoring the activities of disability recipients.
Investigating suspicious activity.
Conducting interviews with disability recipients and their family members.
Reviews of medical records, financial records, and other documents.
Obtaining surveillance videos.
The goal of SSA surveillance is to ensure disability recipients comply with program rules and are not receiving benefits they are not entitled. If a disability recipient violates the rules, their disability benefits may be suspended or terminated.
not just suspected fraud, anyone they choose with a claim.
What do you mean , 'here you go'? I am well aware of what their 'surveillance activities' as you call them, could be but every case is different. Could depend on age, diagnosis, physician notes, etc. I aged out into traditional SS after 2 years, was not followed up on. I worked in healthcare for almost 40 years and am familiar with how it works.
Hang in there Rockhound. Fingers crossed you get a fair and grounded judge. The ALJs definitely vary in personalities. Don’t be intimidated or frightened. Just speak from the heart. When is your hearing? Lifting you in prayer 🙏🏻
Sorry to hear that, it sounds like a lot to deal with. Do you have a lawyer? Often they will not charge anything upfront and will just take a cut of your benefits if you win.
I've been through the process and it was not as daunting as it seems. Just be truthful and honest in your answers. Your attorney should help you with the process and be there for the hearing. Mine did the talking for me at my hearing. I was fortunate to get approved on first application. Had a friend who was initially denied then won on appeal. Wishing you best during this process!
What is stage three of a disability claim? I've never heard of that before. My husband's on SDD. (Social Security Disability ) and it took him three years to get it. We practically lived off of credit cards at that time as I was the only one working. Then the week before his case was set to be heard by the judge my husband's attorney bailed out and told my husband he didn't think his case was winnable so he went to see the judge by himself with me at the back of the courtroom supporting him. Now mind you...my husband was born with clubbed feet and thumbs and was diagnosed with stenosis in his back years later which was why he couldn't work any longer. The judge sent my husband to the state doctor and they took one look at all the scars on his legs and hands and they signed off on his total disability. My husband got his first disability check the following week. That's his story so I hope this is somehow helps you with planning and your anxiety about your disability claim. Wishing you luck getting it. Lots of doctor documentation and the more the better for a rule of thumb.
I went through the process basically on my own. I had an attorney but they never contributed anything. I basically explained to the Judge exactly how I was feeling and what I go through each day. It was nerve wracking but once I started to talk it was less so. I think these Judges are trained to see true pain in people and when they legitimately see it they know it. So let them see the real you. Good luck on the process and let us know on how it turns out.
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