Agoraphobia Social Security Process and Documents
Sure theres a few sites that will help you on your way to getting SSDI or SSI benefits. Having agoraphobia adds an element or what some may seem think an impossible element in the whole process and there is no doubt that having agoraphobia makes things much worse. Besides the Social Security process is hard enough as-is. This section is to make light of the initial process of signing up forSocial Security benefits. The rest is pretty much a waiting game.
Keep in mind I didnt travel to see my doctor, she came to me and treated me at home. I signed up for SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance in mid November of 2007. Also, this is my own personal experience and doesnt mean yours will be much different but it should be close since Im only covering the process from an agoraphobic point of view.
I applied by calling 1-800-772-1213 you can also apply by going to Apply It was a brief summary of what my problem was and she gave me a date for my interview which was December 3rd, 2007.
So, three weeks later I got a call at 9:00 am and the interview began basically asking a series of questions regarding my condition. The interview was about thirty minutes and at the end I asked her if Id have to go see a doctor provided by Social Security She said more than likely since I had limited medical records. I went on to say they should be sensitive to my condition and have a doctor come to my home if thats the case and she said it wont happen.
In the box below youll see the welcome letter they send you explaining documents theyll need from you and also how long the process should take. Anything personal you send them such as W-2's and Birth Certificates will be mailed back to you. Even the information you mail back thats in your "welcome kit" gets mailed back to you also.
CLICK ON A LINK BELOW TO SEE THE DOCUMENT IN THE WINDOW AND CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT
Welcome Letter Front | Welcome Letter Back | Interview Checklist | Medical and Job Worksheet Front Medical and Job Worksheet Back | Law Letter Contents | Appointment of Representative | Psychological Exam Notice | Psychological Exam Notice two | Representation Agreement | Psychological Exam Notice | Psychological Exam Notice two
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Getting The Lawyer:
After we got off the phone I called a lawyer because I didnt want to waste time. They took on my case and sent me some papers to fill out so they could send them to Social Security I filled them out and within a few days I ad a lawyer representing me. They sent me a letter showing they were my representation and everything that Id get from Social Security goes through them. This was in December and it seemed as if I was well on my way and in control of my situation. I had an interview over the phone with my lawyer and they just ask the same questions as Social Security did. After that, once again its a waiting game. This was all in December. I would call my DDS case worker or Disability Determination Examiner and she kept me up to date, which usually all she said was "Im waiting on your records"
My Psychologist:
Finally, in mid February I had gotten a email from my psychologist stating she wouldnt help me get my SSDI, which means she wouldnt give them my records. No records means no case! Hers what her email said:
James,
I asked you to get me the phone number of the person at DHHR ? I have been waiting for over a week.
Get you on Medicaid yes, SSD no. I am not going to fill out the Social Security
Disability forms. You can improve. I'm gone for 10 days. I expect a phone number when I get back on Monday the 11th. I probably can't get email where I'm going.
I wrote her a nice email as you can imagine and as luck would have it I received a call from my DDS Examiner and just so happens she meant to dial my doctor but I explained to her the situation and she said shed have to schedule me a Psychological Evaluation. I didnt say much and basically gave up. The date for my evaluation came two weeks later and of course I didnt go. She called that Monday and explained that she understands why I didnt go and rescheduled me an appointment for a Psychological Evaluation at my home.
If youve read the other section on this site youd know what happened after that and I only explained most of this again to give a time line as to when and why I received certain notifications from lawyers Social Security and from DDS. Of course as of now Im still waiting for my decision and Im not holding my breath but I have to try and I hope some of these documents help you during your journey to getting Social Security.
Here also are some links to other sites that will help you gauge your case and give you an idea of how youll do but you can never be %100 sure but its something to read while you wait.
Ultimate Disability Guide
Disabilty Self Evaluator
Disability Secrets