Advice for filing for disability?

[Sephiroth]

Fmayfferd a stroke in September. Started work again last week. Filed while I was in the hospital. It’s been about as fun as passing kidney stones.

[edgestar]

I've tried, since I have seizures. I've been rejected multiple times, due to being able to hold a job. :/ Hopefully things will be better for you!

[Error]

Go in thinking you will get denied. Like an insanely small amount gets approved on the first filing, most have to go to the third round or even multiple fillings.

The more documentation the better.

Don't be afraid to get an attorney. I don't think they can charge you unless you're approved, then they get an amount that is capped from your first check. They can help with appeals and info gathering.

Be prepared to wait. I'm on my second round of my third try and the wait for me is over a year.

[Deleted]

As someone who successfully appealed (without legal representation cause they thought I wouldn't win, which meant I kept all the money... by the way, use that on something like a funeral trust fund or retirement), I'll give you a few pointers.

1.  Expect to be denied.  The government isn't just going to hand out disability assistance willy-nilly; they want to be *certain* you have been impeded.  This is a very lengthy process that the government takes to weed out the people who aren't serious at all (but also, unfortunately, people who do have issues but can't fully make a case that they have problems and will need further evaluation, which requires intervention at higher appeal levels).  The process from application to decision will take a few months, so do expect a denial.
2.  Appeal the denial.  You're case will be moved up to a higher priority, which again, will take a few additional months, but it will grant you a chance to speak to your regional Social Security official.  A second denial and appeal will lead you to talking to the regional court where you will be under oath.  This is how I won; a judge determined that my situation would make it hard for me to sustain work.
3.  Gather as much medical information as possible.  This is very important and it will make or break your case.  Social Security doesn't like it when you don't show up without medical forms, history, or verification that what you have is potentially going to impact you long-term, so get as much info from doctors as you can, and make sure that you have either saved your medical history, or are able to access as much of it as you can for them to examine.

[Perd]

Be patient. It’s a lot of red tape. I had to do multiple test and spent hours on the phone. All told, it was over a year long process. And my case was pretty cut and dry.