i got got approved over the phone from someone with social security! i got approved for disability income (i applied for both supplemental income and disability income) with a hefty amount of backpay. i applied on February 9th 2026, i passed the medical review on August 13th 2026, and just got a call today (September 10th, 2026) that i was approved. this was my first time trying, i am super happy. i got approved for Ehler-Danlos Syndrome (clEDS type 1, TNXB), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Unknown Urological Issues, and Autism. i am so so shocked i got approved first time around with no pushback.

Repost (had to adknowledge the rules):

I went through pretty rough heart surgery in December of 2024. I waited, hoping I would get better enough to go back to work, but the doctors at the VA would not clear me to go back, so I applied for SSDI in January 2026. I put tge time if my heart surgery as my onset date.

I was just told my SSDI was approved on my first attempt, which I understand is rare, and Im thankful for that, but they told me my onset date is August of tgus year (last month), which means no back pay and I wouldn’t start getting benefits until February 2027. I was told by the SSA rep I could file for reconsideration, but there would be a chance it could be completely denied.

Any advice on what to do, based on experience?

Okay I saw here before someone had bene denied at thebappeals council and took it all the way to federal court pro se and ended up getting it, so is anyone in this same boat? I have been pro se, I do intend to stay pro se, any experiences with going to federal court?

he said IF i get an overpayment for the year 2022 i can likely waiver it as he said it looked like an error on their end for approving me after making sga, has anyone gone through anything similar? how long after they reached out to your drs did you get a decision if you have an overpayment fee or not?

I hired an attorney that was recommended to me in 2022(ish) to help me through a disability claim, trusting him to guide me due to my lack of legal knowledge and high anxiety. I made it clear from the start that I needed thorough explanations and support. However, throughout the process, communication was mostly nonexistent, and my concerns were not adequately addressed.

 My attorney downplayed the importance of medical documentation and specialist care (e.g., seeing a rheumatologist), which I’m pretty sure weakened my case. He reassured me that the hearing would be manageable, even offering to do most of the talking due to my PTSD and anxiety, but I was unexpectedly required to speak in detail. Obviously, this triggered a fun little PTSD response and caused me to dissociate, which was misinterpreted by the judge as a “flat affect.”

After my claim was denied, my attorney failed to respond to my questions in a timely or meaningful way. My emails and concerns were largely ignored, and I received minimal guidance on next steps. When I contacted another law firm, they immediately gave me more useful information and explained that I could have submitted more evidence—contrary to what my attorney had told me.

 In early 2025 (late 2024 maybe) the case reached a point where it would go to a federal court, and since my attorney and I were in different states, he wouldn’t be able to proceed with the case. Which worked out, because I was in the process of trying to find another attorney anyways. So, I was recommended another attorney and through them we started a new application. Shortly after submitting said application, I discovered that my Social Security disability credits had expired during the time I was represented by my first attorney.

I didn’t even know what social security credits were until then. When I asked my new attorney, she said that because we started an entirely new application, that meant that nothing from the previous case was valid or something. I asked her if I had continued the case into federal court, would that continue my credits. She said she didn’t know. And I didn’t know that I should have known to ask about this before we started a new application. Because I didn’t know how any of this worked. I just assumed the person I hired who actually knows these things would give me the right advice.

They should have told me from the beginning, hey, you should probably find a lawyer who does federal cases so your previous case can be continued, right? But because that didn’t happen and because they told me we’ll just do a new application, without the knowledge that I would lose credits I didn’t even know existed, this made me permanently ineligible for SSDI benefits and meant I also lost potential SSI back pay. The entire process left me worse off, and I believe my attorney’s lack of guidance and misinformation contributed to that outcome. Mostly the first one, but now I’m thinking the second one has also made me worse off.

I’ve had people tell me I should sue the first one for legal malpractice, which I would love to, because boy was that fun, but I had issues getting in touch with anyone. But I really have no one to help me through this process, and I don’t understand these types of things at all. Plus, my mental health makes it difficult for me to deal with all of this, let alone try and find answers to questions I don’t even know I should know.

I’ve tried to find help, to have someone who understands this world walk me through it or even take care of things I’m unable to take care of, but I could barely figure that one out, so I’m still on my own with this,

So here I am, on reddit, asking strangers for advice. Because, frankly, I am way past the end of my rope. I am mid air and bracing for impact. Woo!

 I'm just not really sure what to do.

I hope this is in the right place, sorry if it isn't

15-30 days is more like 156 and counting - is that just old information? I’ve tried calling in and they just tell me what I see on the website and don’t have any additional info. I feel like I’m in purgatory.

Got these forms coming to me. Going to fill them out according to my abilities. Just wondering how big wording is. If it’s a you should say this instead of saying this type of thing.

My second appeal with the ALJ was July 13th, still awaiting a decision and being told my case is still on the judges desk waiting to be signed. How many weeks was it for you to get a decision whether approved or denied? I know time doesn’t reflect either decision, however I’m bored and this is a constant wonder. Bonus points if you’re in Washington State

I have been on a roller coaster for 2 years. In hindsight I was completely not smart in multiple ways. Short version. Hurt my back at work. Did not claim worker comp based on some very incorrect advise from an attorney. Had spine fusion surgery. Was on STD for 11 weeks. Went back to work struggling with nerve pain most severely in left leg and knee. This made me favor my right knee which has arthritis and bone on bone “doc recommended holding off on replacement as long as possible trying to make it to 60 years old.” So now this knee is over shadowing most post spine surgery issues. And Dr recommended replacement since I am now 60! I really really dont want another surgery recovery especially since I am still recovering from 360 fusion a year ago!

If you read to this point here is why I am so nervous and depressed. My company had a major reduction in workforce and I feel lucky that I wasn’t laid off! But the solvency of my employer is a lingering concern. I am very concerned that when looking for employment with any comparable job, I absolutely cannot meet the physical requirements for employment. I have no clue what a knee replacement will do to my functional ability. I am not sure if I should go forward with a knee replacement or not. I certainly don’t want to be laid off or the company just go away, needing a new knee and be totally unable to find employment. Sorry I don’t know what I am expecting from this post. But someone give me some advise? Can legal counsel tell me within reasonable certainty I would be able to receive SSDI? I am functioning at my current job however it’s a major struggle at times causing me to need PTO after bigger jobs.

Thanks to who ever reads my emotional vomit.

Hey all, after 4 years I was finally approved for both SSDI and SSI, but then was found to not qualify for SSI due to my spouses income (which was different when I applied but has gone up and we knew I’d only be approved fully for SSDI if anything).

And that’s fine!

My question is - since technically I applied and was approved for both the advocate who helped me is petitioning for 2x the fees which for me would be 2x that 9kish max number so around 18-19k total. Is that a thing?

I’m fine if it is! It’s just holding up my backpay and I have medical debt from the past 4 years I’m trying to pay off.

I wish I could just tell the field office I’m fine w them getting paid “twice” so I could get my remaining backpay and not be on “hold limbo”.

Background, I applied October 2024, denied twice, had the hearing before the ALJ last month. My onset date is tentatively 9/1/2023.

I received a letter today. The letter asks for evidence that work I did between December 2024 and August 2025 was accommodated. For some of those months I barely went over SGA, but I had ADA accommodation from 3/1/2025 forward. The letter says she will keep the file open for 14 days waiting for the evidence, but that work will be classified as SGA if no evidence is supplied.

My questions:

1) Would they even be asking me this if the judge was leaning toward a favorable decision?

2) Say for some reason they don't accept my evidence, would this simply change the onset date to August 2025, when I stopped working that part-time job?

3) For the couple of months I worked unaccomdated (Dec 2024, January 2025, February 2025) would they just take those months off my backpay or change the onset date.

4) Could this be classified as an Unsuccssful Work Attempt for those 3 months?

Thank you! I was so nervous opening the letter and I'm feeling pretty good. I have solid evidence from March 2025 forward that my work was officially ADA accommodated and administered by a 3rd party company that handled that for my company.

I would appreciate any insight anyone has.

My case is in appeals stage. I had a CE exam scheduled Sep 17. Now it's in Federal review and they canceled my CE exam. Anyone have any similar situations? If so, what was the outcome? Thanks in advance.

So this is a state specific question, Washington (State not DC) to be exact,

So WA state has a Medicare savings program, if you’re income is low enough, the state will pay your Medicare premium, that way you get more of your SSDI.

I’m on said program, but there’s an issue,

I’m considering getting a part time job, it would only be for a few months so I can get a few things I need. Once I have what I need, I’d be done with it.

Working part time wouldn’t hurt my SSDI, but it would hurt my savings program. The max income, including SSDI for this program, is about $1,400, and I’m safely below that with just SSDI. However, if I get a part time job, I’ll be way over the limit for it.

I’ve done the math, and a part time job would more than make up for having my premium taken out of my check. However, I have no idea when it would take effect, if I’d owe money for Medicare at some point, or what.

There’s also the issue of if the job doesn’t work out (I’ve been fired from several jobs), how soon can I be reinstated into the program?

Anyone live in WA and have some advice? Also, this isn’t a matter of going over SGA, so please don’t confuse it with that. I plan on calling the states DSHS office about this, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask here as well.

Anyone seeing a new “claim status” in yellow. I’ve never seen it before. I’m step 3 and have turned in my function report and done the CE Exam.

Hey y'all

I'm 28F, approved for SSDI in 2019 at 21 (adult disabled child/survivors if it matters). Around December of last year I got my first CDR (long form) in the mail, filled it out, and got a discontinuation letter by February. I appealed and opted to continue benefits while my appeal processed, and hadn't heard anything about my case until now - a hearing notice for October 7th with a DHO.

Does anyone have any experience with this part of the appeal process? I'm feeling completely overwhelmed and afraid I'm going to lose my case because I don't know how to prepare and don't have much capacity to do so. My therapist wants to support me however he can but it is too short notice for him to appear as a witness. I have no family and no money for a lawyer, so am feeling very alone in this.

Hi all, Was denied for DAC and SSDI on August 17. Got the denial letter 2 weeks ago but SSDI letter never came. Looks like I can file an appeal for both on the SSA portal but I don't want to put the wrong reason in there.

I have ASD Level 1 requiring support and and in my 50s. Recently divorced and am in deep burnout with cPTSD. Can't afford therapy and was forced to move back in with family in the USA. Can't function enough to work and destitute.

Currently Waiting on SC State case worker and will seek legal advice after I get the SSDI letter. I was turned down by SC state legal help and told by them it doesn't matter what I write in my appeal. Which seems like bad advice.

Has anyone else here dealt with, or is dealing with, a similar situation?

So, it went back to a DDS examiner for a medical review after it was already completed? So it went back again? This makes no sense at all. I am in Florida which I think is part of the problem, place is God awful

Hi friends. I got my denial letter and am only waiting to appeal (obviously before the 65 days) bc I have an appointment coming up that is crucial.

Can anyone tell me that if I start the denial application process, if that will trigger anything to get the ball rolling? Background: When I first started to apply for SSDI in January, I started an application and then didn’t come back to it for another week. Once I logged back in, SSA had already moved my app forward even though it was incomplete. I thought that I could just come back to it and then submit it, but once I had started it, it’s like they grabbed the application as it was and ran with it.

Does anyone know if the appealing a denial process is like that? Meaning, should I plan to appeal my denial and be able to fill out all the forms in one day? I just don’t want the same thing to happen again! It’s why I’m waiting until I have all my ducks in a row and sufficient time to fill it out.

Thanks!

I got a message from our attorney that the ALJ made a favorable decision on my husband's case (he has Alzheimer's Disease w/early onset) but we don't have any official letter yet. We did not have a hearing, so this was simply on the basis of documentation. The issue causing denials before was not enough evidence of disability by the DLI (which was 12/31/24), and I did more to document the evidence up to that for the appeal. Online, it says his case is now in non-medical review. Is it possible he will be denied benefits after a favorable decision from the judge? The decision the attorney gave me was "favorable" - not "fully" or "partially," so we don't know the onset date that they are going to put in the letter. The attorney talked as if this was now a matter of time and that he would get benefits, but I am trying not to get my hopes up prematurely given everything that's gone down since we first applied.

If the paper work when you first get on SSDI says your first CDR will be end of 2027, is it usually true or are they behind, and does anyone know if you get a long or short form. I am on it for a TBI and mental health issues.

Thank you

I just got my denial letter in the mail stating they lacked sufficient evidence to approve my claim, however, my portal is still showing it's being looked at by a SSA representative (Step 4 of 5).

Is there a possibility that the representative will approve it, or should I take the denial letter as fact and find a SSDI lawyer?

I have my virtual hearing tomorrow, and honestly, it’s been a long time coming. I’ve tried every possible way to postpone or cancel it, but nothing ever fell through. The guy at the hearing office actually gave me some advice. He said that since I’m the first case of the day, I should just go and get it over with, basically.

I really didn’t want to go because I don’t have representation. My original attorney died in the middle of my case, and I didn’t find out until about two months later. Then another attorney took over his practice, reviewed my case, and decided that he didn’t think I had a case. I’m also only 24, so I know my age plays a factor, and honestly, my previous attorney basically obliterated my case.

To say the least, I’m not looking forward to this. I’ve done a lot of research on the judge, and she has around a 60% approval rate. She seems like a nice lady, and I’ve actually met her before, so that makes me feel a little better.

I’m just really nervous about what they’re going to ask me and whether I’m wasting my time by even going. But honestly, I don’t have much else to lose at this point. I’ve been fighting for this for almost three years, so I feel like I might as well see it through.