8 month, despite overwhelming evidence that I wasn't going to be working anymore. That was in 2006/7. I have heard (anecdotally) that they flat out refuse you at least the first time you apply, and often the second as well.

I was extraordinarily lucky. Started my application process in May of 2008, was approved and started getting benefits by August of the same year (with retroactive benefits from the date of my application). I think when it's a vision issue, with permanent disability, and you get examined by a doctor they've chosen, approval isn't usually denied. Again, from all the stories I've heard, I consider myself extremely lucky. Good luck! I hope your process goes as smoothly as mine.

Be sure you have an attorney, they can help expedite the process. They will take a cut of your initial payment. My understanding is that certain illnesses/issues are processed more quickly than others but everyone is turned down the first time. I'm not 100% on that but what I've been told by family members that are on SSDI. Good luck.

Be sure you have an attorney, they can help expedite the process. They will take a cut of your initial payment. My understanding is that certain illnesses/issues are processed more quickly than others but everyone is turned down the first time. I'm not 100% on that but what I've been told by family members that are on SSDI. Good luck.

I had a lawyer and went before a judge, who approved me (closed period). I don't remember how long it took but it seemed like everything went as quickly as it could have, for all the steps. I was actually surprised because I was young, intact-looking, with an invisible, poorly-understood illness--and I was using MMJ at the time. I had the paperwork to back up everything, and it was enough. Just took jumping through a few arbitrary hoops and going before a live person to make it happen. Crappy system.

Social security is hard if you can still work. I agree with others. Go see a lawyer. You will be told your chances to receive it. By yourself... your going to be baffled with bullshit. You will be turned down the first time if you don't convince them. My wife is disabled... that's how I know.

Hire a lawyer. It will save you years of frustration and thousands in benefits. If you have a mental and a physical disability it is almost guaranteed you will be approved but do it with a lawyer to be sure

I hired a lawyer right out of the box to get my dad covered for a different federal benefit. It took 60 days, went like clockwork, and it was money well spent.

I think it is rare to get it the first time. good luck

I can only wish you well and success in your pursuit. Good luck.

i fought the battle in 2013-14 and it was arduous to say the least. the first time i applied i was denied. then i hired an agency to handle my claim for me. we lost for the second time. my final option was to go before a judge who ruled in my favor. it took eleven months to settle my case, and that was on the fast track or it likely would've taken up to 12 months longer. i received disability payments retroactive to the date of my disability less the 25% agency fee.

the first two denials, i believe, are almost automatic in an attempt to separate the wheat from the chaff, so be prepared for that first denial. and be prepared to wait.