Social security

[Guest guest]

Social security (disability) is unpredictable. Many people get rejected the

first, second and sometimes third time and others get approved right away. I

was one of the fortunate. I applied a few days before Christmas, was

approved within six weeks and in March or April had my check including one

year prior to my applying (I was declared disabled as of Nov. 1998, but didn

’t apply until Dec. 2001).

I strongly suggest going it on your own (take a spouse, family member, etc.

with you) ---- go prepared with lots of documentation, relax and just be

honest with them. They still may reject you the first time, but when they

see you were prepared and made a good impression they don’t forget. I do

recommend applying in person if at all possible.

If you are rejected, on your first or second appeal you may want to have an

attorney. The Social Security office maintains a list of approved attorneys

to assist you. They are not hired by Social Security and get nothing from

them ---- they are people who agree not to gouge you with excessive fees and

who know the law well and will do their very best to represent you. I’ve

known people to have great results using the recommended attorneys.

When you are approved, your benefits are determined by the date of your

application not the date of approval.

Elaine in Vegas