This is a great post, though incomplete. The rules for SSI and SSDI are complex. But Some of the basics you need to know if you're going to apply are important. I represented myself and won the case on my third appeal.
If you're under 50 years old, you will not be approved until the third appeal unless very lucky. You have 60 days to file an appeal after a decision is made, do not miss this deadline. As an under 50 disabled worker, the SSA will say that you can be retrained. Over fifty, you cannot be retrained. At the hearing on your third appeal, there will be a vocational expert in attendance. the judge will ask him: "In light of these limitations, are there any jobs that he/she can do?"
The vocational expert only has to find three jobs, and they don't have to even exist in the general economy. If he can find three jobs, you're gonna be denied. Your disability must include something that precludes you from all jobs. I suggest stating problems with executive functions, that make time management difficult where you are often late for work, miss work, and overstay your breaks. That's something that's common among us aspies, that also precludes every job on the market.
This is the forum where you can learn everything you need to know about SSI and SSDI, including how to apply with the most efficacy:
SSDFacts: Social Security Disability Support, Forum, Statistics, Forms, and More! | ssdfacts.com If you cannot read through all that information, I highly suggest that you retain a lawyer to do the process for you.
Myself, I've had over three dozen different jobs, have a highschool diploma, and a certificate in CNC machining and incredible/diverse skill in manufacturing and engineering. I can deadlift 400 lbs and bench press 270, I can run the mile in less than 8 minutes, and have an IQ of 126, and yet, I am disabled.
It's not a choice, you don't wake up one morning and say I can't keep a job, maybe I'll go apply for SSI, it's a last ditch option after years and years of failure. Me, I know I am capable of great things, but often time the prosaic parts of life are a struggle for me. You do not want to be on disability, living off of less then $800 a month like me. If you can work, do, you will be happier knowing that you do not depend on anyone else to support you.
If, however; you are not able to work and have had to live in a forty year old rv with no water except what leaked through the roof, and you've tried everything under the sun to earn a living, and still fail, then not only should you apply for disability, but you're deserving of it as well.
Psychologically, it's difficult, to collect disability. Not only will others beat you down with remarks like "What's wrong with you? You shouldn't have any problems, you look fine. I hate having to give my hard earned money to support lazy layabouts" and more, but you will beat down on yourself too. "Why can't I be like everyone else? I hate having no money for things, I can't even afford to rent a one bedroom apartment and the waitlist for housing assistance is 8 years long. What wrong with me that I can't work, I'm a loser, all my friends are losers. I had such great goals, where did it all go wrong, what can I do to change this? I want out of this trap but cannot find my way."
You see, if you can at all avoid it, don't collect disability. While it is a help, and I do not have to worry much about homelessness or not having food, it is also a curse. Your friends, they will all be poor too. Your roommates, poor. And poor people often do drugs, and have many other problems. That means, you will have to interact with these people, and subsequently be hurt by them as they take advantage of your differences and kindheartedness. You will feel like crap, living off of other people's labor, and being judged by many of those same people. I definitely advise everyone to keep trying, to never give up hope.
While some people will tell you not to work while you are waiting to get to the judge, I had to wait three years, that is not true. If you keep trying, and keep failing, they will see that too. And you've got to keep trying. I just had a job, it was a labor gig. I thought, I'm strong, I can do it. But I had to quite that job, because my neck was hurting badly. Last summer, I herniated a disk in my neck when I was jumped by four teenagers. I have been attending school for the last two years, for mostly engineering. I have 116 credits now, from my machining to 39 of which count towards my engineering transfer. Once I transfer, in two or more years, I can work on university.
I have a lot of things that are difficult for me, but also a lot of strengths. I envision myself using arduino and solidworks to 3d print something and make it bluetooth, innovate something, invent something. Even with my limited resources, it's possible to get started as in inventor these days, what with crowdfunding, and angel investors. I've even already made a hat with an lcd screen on it, never seen that before have you? The point is, no matter what, you have to keep trying to pursue your dreams, even if you cannot do it the way everyone else does, you can change the action steps without changing the goal.
Good day,
God Bless
