I think I’m going to apply for benefits

DX'd - Other
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Never done it before, except for SNAP just recently.

I have no knowledge at all except for what I’ve read here. Like someone said it’s hard to get accepted without a lawyer. That sounds expensive.

US folks: anyone have any info or advice about trying to access government benefits?

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I got approved in 4 months if i remember right without a lawyer. My Mom filled out the paperwork

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i never needed a lawyer. i was approved both times shortly after i saw their state appointed doctor. my advice is to ask to be seen by their doctor.

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How do they figure out how much money to give you?

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have u ever worked?

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Yes, for about 26 years.

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then the amount is based off your social security. how much you paid in. but if u worked that long it is probably more than ssi which is 967. you would have to apply for SSDI

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Thanks @irrelevant.

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They usually deny you the first try. Then you get a lawyer who if you win will charge you half your backpay as a fee. Your backpay dates from the first time you applied. This is exactly how it used to work, maybe it changed? I don’t know if you have to pay the lawyer if you lose. I applied 40 years ago and this is how it worked. I’m not even sure if you still get backpay at all, and if you do where it dates back to.

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they do backpay backdated to the application date

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The first application or the second?

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I know my friend got $25,000 backpay.

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first application. if u get denied and have to appeal it still backpays to the first application as long as you appeal in time.

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i got 13k in backpay because i reapplied during covid and lost my doctor so it took like 2 years for my approval to go through. the first time i applied tho it took about 3 months from start to finish so i didnt get much backpay back then.

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Can you get both SSI and SSDI?

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yes. if the ssdi amount is lower than the ssi amount they will supplement the ssdi with ssi up to 967 dollars as long as u are paying rent. if the ssdi is more than 967 then nope u can only have ssdi.

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They did all the paper work for me at my p-docs office. My mom just called them and said can you file my son for disability. Then a guy called my mom from social security at the time a little later and asked her questions. Then a little later I got a letter to come down to social security. When I got there they said you’re approved. It took 3 months from beginning to finish. Prior to applying I was in the psych ward once and I had a lot of trouble at work. My boss knew I had a lot of trouble. I was out of my mind with delusions and hallucinations.

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Ha- this song just came on the radio

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@Gamera

I recommend getting a disability lawyer or advocate. You need to work closely with your pdoc: you’ll need a diagnosis, supporting documentation as to specifically why you cannot work, documentation that you’re seeing the doctor on a regular basis and taking medication for your diagnosis.

There is a process:

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Thanks for the info @Catman.

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