Social Security Disability Advice Group

I know you girls and guys have lots of experience with this disabilty stuff, so I'm praying maybe you can give me some real answers. I was disabled in Dec 2009 and had my hearing June 16 ,2012. I called Social Security today and was told that I was given " a favorable decision" . I asked what that meant and she said that I would have to "ask my lawyer or wait for the paperwork " She did say it was entered on July 20th and that they had until Sept 20th to start making payments. My question is does it normally take 60 days to get the first payment ? I do have direct deosit set up from whe I orginally filed and she did confirm that information today. Also, will the judges decision have a back pay award ( if an was awarded ?) This has just been one crazy , very stressful experience for us. I was an ER nurse workin 50-60 hours a week and now I'm having to go to the local food bank just to put food on the table. I am so embarrassed and mad. My car has been repossessed and my house payment is 2 months behind. I just want to be able to pay my bills like I was able to before. Any help answering these questions would be greatly appretiated and thanks for letting me vent

Did she say Fully favorable, partially favorable, or just favorable? Fully favorable means you will be granted disability from the date you stated you became disabled. Partially favorable means you were found disabled, but at a different date than you claimed. I had my hearing late April, got my notice of favorable on May 23rd, had my backpay the third week of June, and had my first check July 3rd. That was with them messing things up. According to the SSD office, I should have had my first check in June.

That being said, it really depends on your area and how many cases they have to process. There isn't a huge population base here in Maine so mine went pretty quick.

It even only took me 6 months to get a court hearing date while the majority of people have to wait a year or more for a hearing date.

PS - I was a career 911 EMT intermediate and you must be feeling similar to how I feel - You spent a lot of your life caring for others and now it is almost a shameful feeling to have to be on disability and be cared for.

Post edited by: wormie, at: 07/25/2012 03:41 PM

Post edited by: wormie, at: 07/25/2012 03:43 PM

Thanks Wormie,

she said "Fully Favorable" I guess I didn't realize how important the wording was until you pointed it out.I live in Va so I'm guessing it's a pretty big population with all the military.I had to wait 10 month for a hearing, although , they say the average here in Va is 13 months. So, I guess I "got lucky" there. i do feel shameful having to be on disability even though I have paid into it since I started working at 14 , I think it's just because the system makes you feel that way. It's nice to know that there are other people that feel the same way I do.I'm glad you got your back pay and check. Thank you for the answers

Congrats! Make sure you have your direct deposit setup and start checking your account daily. You'll more than likely get paid before you even see the award letter.

you very much welcome and congrats!!!!