Guest guest Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 Hi , It seems that perhaps things have changed with SSDI since you were approved. As someone who applied just last year, I can tell you that a letter from my doctor is definitely not all that was required in order for me to be approved. I had to fill out many pages of an online questionnaire in addition to a written questionnaire that later arrived in the mail. The questions were extensive and detailed. These questionnaires are the applicant's opportunity to explain why he/she is no longer able to sustain gainful employment of any kind. If someone breezes through this, doesn't take it seriously, or just writes 'disabled' as the answer relying on the doctor to explain, he/she will most likely be declined. To increase the likelihood of approval on the first application, it's best to take the time to answer these questions thoroughly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2009 Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 Hi , You are so right. There have been many changes and more are coming.The last time I took a client through the initial on-line application form it took about 4 hours straight, and that was with all the needed information right beside me. And let me add that if a doctor should write that a claimant is " disabled " and can no longer work, that info immediately gets the application turned down, at least here. That's because it is NOT the doctor's job to ascertain whether or not the patient is disabled. THAT is THE JOB of the SSA using THEIR RULES and guidelines. A doctor's job in the process is to supply medical evidence to support the claimant's application for benefits. Gretchen > > Hi , > > It seems that perhaps things have changed with SSDI since you were approved. As someone who applied just last year, I can tell you that a letter from my doctor is definitely not all that was required in order for me to be approved. I had to fill out many pages of an online questionnaire in addition to a written questionnaire that later arrived in the mail. The questions were extensive and detailed. > > These questionnaires are the applicant's opportunity to explain why he/she is no longer able to sustain gainful employment of any kind. If someone breezes through this, doesn't take it seriously, or just writes 'disabled' as the answer relying on the doctor to explain, he/she will most likely be declined. To increase the likelihood of approval on the first application, it's best to take the time to answer these questions thoroughly. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2009 Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 : Yes, that is correct, I believe I said an application needs to be filled out too and the consumer has options of getting it through the mail, do the interiew at the SS office, or over the phone. The doctor's note needs to explain not just the diagnosis but reasons why their daily activities cannot meet their job requirements for example. All indivduals who are applying for SSDI need to either call Social Security directly or go on the Social Security website for further information in attaining SSDI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2009 Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 The criteria for qualifying for SSDI has been the same since at least the early 1970's. AT least since then it has never been just a statement from your doctor that you are disabled to qualify. THey have made the application process more rigorous and examined claims more closely but the rules have not changed. SSA handles the application but a state disability determination bureau reviews the medical information to determine if you meet the criteria of " Unable to perform any substantial gainful activity " . That said, you can go to SSA to apply with just a doctors statement or nothing at all and they are supposed to gather all the medical data (of course they need to know your diagnosis, doctor's names and work history. I don't, however, recommend that anyone rely on SSA to get all the information. The more you provide the easier their job is and approval will be more likely and faster. > > : > > Yes, that is correct, I believe I said an application needs to be filled out too and the consumer has options of getting it through the mail, do the interiew at the SS office, or over the phone. The doctor's note needs to explain not just the diagnosis but reasons why their daily activities cannot meet their job requirements for example. All indivduals who are applying for SSDI need to either call Social Security directly or go on the Social Security website for further information in attaining SSDI. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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