Because of my recent ECT, I can’t remember what, if anything, has happened since my last “apply for disability” post seven weeks ago. I do remember having to fill out another SSDI Evaluation, which I never did. Then I was supposed to see one of their doctors again, though that could have been for SSI. It just so happened that I was having inpatient ECT at the time, so they decided that I didn’t need to see their doctor after all. Go figure.
I found out yesterday that I’ve been approved for SSDI! I applied in frickin’ December! I mean, can you believe this whole process barely took three months? Nor did I have to see their doctors. Guess I’m pretty disabled, eh?
My monthly payment will be about $1k, which will cover the rent with some change left over. I’ll get a year of backpay, which amounts to five figures. (If you want to know the approximate amount, Contact Me, but I’ll only answer if I know who you are and not just a lurker, either — personal friends are exempt from this; so be sure to include your blog title.) They’re going to direct deposit it when they deposit my first check; they pay out on the third Wednesday of each month and are a month behind. So my March check will be deposited in April.
As for that SSDI evaluation I never completed? I talked to my adjudicator in Springfield, and she said I can toss it out! Sweet.
The local SSA office wanted me to come in so they could process my SSI claim, which it turns out I don’t qualify for because Brian makes way too much at his new job. Still, they wanted to make sure they didn’t owe me any money so I stopped by yesterday to drop off the requested paperwork, as instructed. The…counselor (?) I spoke to on the phone told me not to take a number; rather, give the guard my name and tell him I’m just bringing in documents. So he took my paperwork to the counselor, but when I had questions he couldn’t answer, she was nice enough to see me at her window and explain everything, even though I didn’t have an appointment.
This is such a relief! And of course I’m going on a shopping spree! We’ll finally be able to get wedding rings. The ones I want are super expensive, but we never had a wedding, so we deserve it! I only wish we could get them in time for our anniversary, but better late than never!
Obviously, the Maneki Neko in my sidebar works!
Congrats on the SSDI approval! Bet that’s a huge relief to know you’ll be getting that money every month. I was approved in about three months too without ever seeing any of their doctors. Since they consider mental illness something you can possibly recover from they review your case every three years.
I’m almost approaching that three year mark of being on disability which means my case will be up for review soon. I’ll let you know how that process goes so you can have some advance knowledge of it.
That’s awesome news, Barb!
Congratulations!
Abby
That’s fantastic news, Barb! Damn, it’s nice to win one once in a while, eh? At least that’s behind you.
And up ahead? Some awesome wedding rings! :p
Wow, that’s a nice amount! the payments here are heaps less than that (I have a friend on the UK equivalent) and rent is a lot higher – enjoy!!
Sid, no, I didn’t know they reviewed your case every three years. That sucks. Is being bipolar really curable? Or maybe they mean functional? :s Please do keep me up-to-date.
Thanks, Abby!
Mr. Fab, welcome back! I’ve only recently started visiting blogs again, but thanks for stopping by. It is nice to win once in a while (kind of like my hockey team :d), I’m telling you, that Lucky Beckoning Cat works! If I could, I’d buy one of the little statues for our apartment, but then it would be the Unlucky Beckoning Cat because one of my own would probably raise a paw to it! LOL!
And I can’t wait to get those rings! I’m tired of stupid people asking that, if we’re married, then why don’t we have rings? Idiots.
Ratty, the UK pays disability? Just kidding.
many congratulations. you deserve some relief.
Barb, I’m so happy for you. As you know, I’m floored you got approved so fast, normally they don’t even look @ apps. for 5 months. And then they deny like 96% the 1st time. We can now breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Bands are my favorite type of wedding ring & the one you’ve shown is exquisite.
Congrats Barb!! I am so happy for you. I know what a sense of relief you must be feeling right now:-)
My husband just got his denial letter. So we have to appeal. I am sure he will get it, but it sucks that we have to wait. We could really use the cash:-)
Wow! Great news Barb!
And indeed “better late than never” on the wedding rings… We need pics when you get them obviously!
Thanks, gemellen!
jane, thanks for supporting me throughout this entire process. (d) Well, and my CM at the SSvcA.
)
Welcome back, Queen! I’m sorry to hear your husband was denied; like Jane (and my CM) said, 96% of people aren’t approved the first time. I hope the appeal goes through, and happens quickly. Good luck. (*)
DB, you better believe I’ll post pics! Too bad I have such ugly hands, but the ring will more than make up for that! It won’t be for another month yet, though, so you’ll just have to be patient. Think you can manage? :d
I am so happy for you both!
Thank you!
Great news to hear Barb! (y)
Thanks, April!