Back in August, 2007, I wrote a blog post entitled “How Long Do I Have to Wait for my Hearing Decision.” Back then I reported that in most cases, a claimant would have to wait two to three months for a hearing decision.
Fast forward to 2009. That two to three month period is now four to six months. Here’s why: about 18 months ago, the Social Security Administration convinced Congress to allocate more money to hire new administrative law judges, and SSA immediately hired around 100 new judges. At the same time, Social Security put into process its conversion from paper files to electronic files and they created the infrastructure to provide for video hearings.
In Atlanta, where I practice, SSA created a video hearing ODAR office in Marietta, Georgia with three hearing rooms available to handle video hearings.
The good news – Social Security is now equipped to offer claimants administrative hearings. The bad news: the hearing offices often do not have enough support staff to process all of the decisions being issued by new judges and judges appearing by video.
As I noted back in 2007, the judges themselves do not actually write the decisions – that task is assigned to “decision writers” – individuals who may be staff lawyers or paralegals who are not in attendance at the hearings but who prepare the decisions for the judges’ review.
Even though the decision writers follow a standard hearing template, the decision has to be written, proofread and sent to the judge for review. Since the judge may not see a decision for weeks or months after the hearing, he most likely will not remember the case, meaning that he will have to review the file and verify that the decision reflects his thoughts.
Because of the volume, I am seeing delays of four to six months between the hearing dates and the issuance of a decision.
This delay can be especially frustrating for claimants who are expecting favorable decisions. In some cases, judges announce at the hearing that they plan to approve a particular case. The claimant leaves the hearing office happy, knowing that a big lump sum check is headed his way along with monthly benefits and access to Medicare. Imagine how frustrated that claimant will become when there is a six month wait in the issuance of a decision.
Unfortunately there is just not a whole lot anyone can do about these growing delays. As an advocate for my clients, the last thing I want to do is anger a judge by demanding that my cases be moved to the front of the line. Social Security judges work hard and they know that there is a decision processing problem. Complaining by a lawyer or a claimant is not going to help. And since the judge has the power to change his mind, I am not a big fan of demanding action by calling your Congressperson.
While frustration and anger is understandable, there is no remedy unless and until Social Security hires more staff to support its expanded judicial corps.
I have been waiting for a trial in the Atlanta office now since Sept. of 2007. My attorney, Kevin Hall of Atlanta, who will be calling July 8, 2009 just to update, still doesn’t have a date set for the trial.
Having been on disability now for nearly 4 years due to my career choice (sanding & refinishing hardwood floors), I am homeless and totally dependent on family members to survive. I have contacted every House of Representative and Senator in the State of North Carolina, including the Governor, with no response. I have also contacted the Vice President and President…no response. After working all of my life and faithfully paying SS taxes…this is where you end up. Depending on your family and other Americans…please- don’t depend on Social Security folks 🙁
I filed in Sep 2015 and i was told that my hearing won’t be before Nov of 2017 and i don’t have any family to help me . I am ready to go crazy and throw the towel in!!!
I had to wait 18 months for my hearing which I understand is not so long. I could have it sooner if I was willing to have a video judge but being severely hard of hearing, I needed a live body there to read lips and such.
I had an awesome lawyer (I’m in Idaho) too. After the hearing my lawyer was confident I had won. But to hear you say it could be up to six months rather that six weeks before I hear anything is a real bummer. I’m hoping my lawyer’s estimate is right and it will be only about four to six weeks. Crossing my fingers!!!!
Mary aka GG
My hearing was 2/9/2017. I still haven’t heard anything, more than 2 months later. Very frustrating!
Hello, thank-you for having such and informative web-site. I applied for disability in Oct. 2006 I went for my hearing June 12th 2009 and received an approval letter 12 days later.My disability date was amended to April 1st 2007. My disability is severe back problems, had spinal fusion in 2007 and diagnosed with bi-polar which the judge said was not a big enough factor to receive disability but recommends having a person assigned to receive my check every month.
How long does it usually take to get a check?
Do you get cost of living raises on disability?
Well, the attorney called on the 8th of July, just like he said he would. Still saying that the Charleston office is way behind schedule and that he doesn’t have any date whatsoever for my trial…it’s been so long, the attorney can’t even remember my doctor’s diagnosis b/c he’s asking me what’s wrong with my lungs and why the doctor needs to put me in the hospital??? Doctor can’t put me in the hospital b/c I have no insurance, can’t get medicaid b/c I have a claim in for SSI benefits. And no response back from any of the elected officials from the great state of North Carolina or the VP/Pres., not that I expected it.
@Mark Fincannon: I hate when people say the poor judge has slot of work and to just wait we have all been waiting my wait has taken everything from me my home my car my credit so I am all of of time to just wait I know if it was them they would be upset and pace around waiting to here somthing each day I was approved like 6 weeks ago after 3 years of waiting and was told it would be 4 to 8weeks and that the hard part was done the way I see it I’m still waiting LOL it’s still hard to wait no matter where u are in the process I’m like a month away from living in a trailer boy will that be fun they will have taken even the basics of life from me at that point but all I can do is wait but atleast I have company
I am going through that now lost everything here in Georgia
i had my hearing in oct.of 09 i wanna know that the judge asked the voc rehab person.if this person could do his past work he said all but one.the last question the judge asked the voc rehab person is that could this person work 40 hrs a week 5 days a week.voc rehab said no.what does this mean the judge didn’t rule a decision that day.does that mean my case will be favorable.
I had my hearing on November 10,2009 after waiting for two years for this hearing. The judge also asked the VE questions regarding me being able to do my past work. And was told I wasn’t able to do my past work and that what I did was skilled work. Then the VE stated after questioned by the judge that I could work in a restaurant as the cashier. I didn’t understand where he got this job from. I don’t know if I will be approved I am 60 yrs old and have worked my entire adult life with no down time. Now I am waiting for the hearing decision. I was told by my atty it would take 3 weeks to 3 months. But at this time do you think that I should contact the ssa office to find out the status of my hearing decision. Its very stressful waiting and not knowing. Its been such a long time I first applied in January 2006. Can you give me advise on what I should do at this time
To Jeff Trimble. I had the same experience as you. Did you have your hearing in Colorado Springs? I had a female judge that seemed ice cold. She ask the voc. rehab guy those same questions about me. At first, she ask him if “I could work such and such jobs.” He said “Yes.” The last question she ask him was “could I work if I took about 3 or 4 days of sick leave a month.” He said “no” (because I’d get fired.)I left there pretty aggravated because I wasn’t told if I was getting approved or not.
I had my hearing November 2009 waiting not even a year from my last denial from SS, it has now been 2 years 8 months since I first applied and I am waiting for a decision in the mail unpatiently form the judge :). The judge asks 5 questions about being able to do a certain job to the vacational rehab specialist, like Rhonda and Jeff the judge was also told this by my vacation rehab specialist, as far as I know it is normal, or I’m going on what my lawyer has told me. They put out “hypothetical” theories about what you would and would not be able to handle and I was also one of those “I would get fired, having to take 6 unsced. breaks and missing 2 days of work”, it would cause me to get fired – before that the run pretty much for being able to do everything to not being able to do anything at all. My hearing made me an emotional mess. The judge also told me that I would receive his decision quickly. I have yet to receive the decision which my mother knows he had his decision the minute we walked out the door. Good Luck to everyone and I hope I helped 🙂
I applied for SSD benefits in 05/08. My hearing before the ALJ was 10/09. I called the adjudication board and they told me that the judge had made his decision, but couldn’t tell me what the decision was and that my case had now been turned over to an underwriter. What happens from there and how much longer will it take before I hear something?
@Melissa Renee Genery: I was told the same thing Melissa, Mine turned out to be approved. hope yours does the same.
I first applied for SSI benefits after being taken off my job in 2007. I had a knee injury as well as a back injury. I had surgery in 2008 for my knee and am still not able to walk or stand for a long period of time. I got a denial letter just a few months after applying for the first time. I appealed that denial and asked for a hearing. I had my hearing February 2010. My Attourney did not even have all my records. The judge gave me additional time to retrieve more records and i did so. It is now 8 months since i have been waiting for a decision. I don’t know what to do and to top things off my workers comp case is ready to settle.
did you ever get a decision????@lesia martin:
I applied for social security in Sept 2007 I just had my hearing Feb 15th 2010 I still have not hears a decision. The hypothetical questions to the Vocational rehab specialist, and the Medical doctor/physiologist all came back to a final of not being able to work. Almost 4 months later. I have been homeless moving from place to place Since June of 2007 and am unable to work. I have almost no income and can’t even get into subsidized housing because I do not have income. what do they expect people to do? I know There are so many people in my position. How does the government expect people to get better and hopefully be able to work again in the future so they don’t have to rely on the gov. Benefits if there is so little help for people? aggravated.
@aggravated: have u called ss? a year later and no decision ? u need to call them
I just had a hearing yesterday that seemed to go well. i think it went in my favor but its hard to tell. but the judge did say i fall into the time period, 16 months sick. the doctor at the hearing said i was not sick enough fron the disease to get disability, but i did fall under the symptoms and would have been as ill as i said i was. i am well now and was told that i can’t receive ongoing disability, but i can for the time i was disabled. my questions are, how long for a decision and does it sound like i won the case?
Madison, written decisions can take any where from 3 weeks to 3 months. It depends on your judge’s workload. It sounds like your case is a “closed period” case – without being there, however, I can’t really offer an opinion about your chances of success. However, I wish you the best of luck.
I had my hearing on 6/6 and within 3 days my lawyer called to say the judge sent his decision to his writers, is his quick decision a good sign? Also, in the first 3 hypothetical s the VE listed jobs that I could perform, once my lawyer added further limitations that were listed in letters from my specialists the VE responded by says in those cases there would be no jobs and or not competitive. The judge added a 5th hypothetical and again the VE said no jobs, how does the judge decided between all of these conflicting hypothetical. Is my scenario positive? Thank you
Did you get approve
Hello,
Just wondering if there is any truth behind the length of time taken in making decision by alj and the outcome of decision itself. ie The longer the judge takes on making decision the less likely it will be in your favor. Has anyone else heard that rumor?? It has been 10 weeks since I saw the alj and I am thinking if it was favorable surely I would have heard something by now? my atty says I just need to wait even though he thinks it went well. Dont they all tell that to their clients? This is a complete nightmare.
@Yvette – I do not think that there is any truth to this rumor. Generally the decisions – both favorable and unfavorable – are prepared by staff writers based on the judge’s notes. After the decision is drafted, the judge must review for accuracy. Since the same process applies for both favorable and unfavorable decisions, I do not think that a long delay means anything other than that the judge’s office is backed up.
Thank You!
Hello, I have a second hearing before the same judge that denied me soon. My case was over turned from federal level. Then was sent back to the appeal council, and sent back to the judge that denied me. So the judge can review my new VA rating. When I apply for SSA Disability in 2007, I was 90% disable thought the VA. SSA only had me rated at 10% disable thought the VA for some reason. I was denied SSA in 2008 by the judge, and award 100% from the VA for PTSD and Back pain the same year. Do you think I have some good weight on my case. Thanks for your time
I had my hearing 7/11. 2 days later my atty called saying the judge wanted to know if i would except that my disability started from7/o9 instead of 9/06 when i stopped working ( is this normal?) does that sound like they are ruling in my favor? its been 3 weeks & no letter stating for or against. During atty call to me said should have the judges ruling in 7-10 days…this waiting is crazy as you all well know.
Hi, it’s been almost 2yrs and I had my hearing with ALJ judge and a VE. Long story short, judge said I passed the medical but ssa was going to re-review my income. I’m self employed and still trying to work a little so we dont lose our home. The VE said there were no jobs for me. It’s been 7 weeks and still haven’t heard anything. Any opinions if it’s yesor no
i applied for ssdi 8 /2008 in finally made it too hearing judge told me id hearhis ruling in 12 days then out in 3 days i got a letter saying i need a ce exam is this a bad thing should i be worried im going to be denied ty john
My lawyer saw my alj judge prior to me going in and he told him he would find me disabled from January 2009 even though I have been out since May 2005. When I went in, he asked me a few questions then asked the vocab specialist if I could do any work that I have done and she said no. I still havent heard anything. I am wondering if a judge tells your lawyer that he is going to find you disabled, does he usually keep to what he said? Or could your answers in the hearing change his mind?
Kim, given the circumstances you describe, I think it is extremely unlikely that the judge would change his mind.
I went in front of an ALJ in September (2011) in Atlanta, GA & am still waiting on a decision. My attorney called today to find out the status & they said that it is in “unassigned writing” status which apparently means on its way to a decision writer. Does this mean that the ALJ has already made a decision? How long does it normally take to go from unassigned writing to a decision writer? And how long does it take to get a response in the mail from this point?
Amy, usually decisions are issued within 1 to 3 months. If the judge is backed up it can take longer. Unfortunately there is not much you or your lawyer can to do speed up the process.
could u please tell me what day my hearing decision was approved?
Donna, you need to ask your lawyer – hearing decisions are not public record.
I had my SSDI Hearing on November 11th 2011 my hearing lasted 10 mins, the vocational expert in the Hearing didn’t say a word or was asked any questions, the judge only asked me one question and asked what is the doctors prognosis I said that the doctor told me that I am permantly disabled, then the Judge tells me that he will issue a decision in 30 days, I went to my hearing in my prescribed wheelchair with my mother pushing me in and she sat their for moral support, after the hearing my lawyer tells me to wait for him outside, 2 mins later he came out and told me that the Judge approved under review of one to two years for me to see one of ssa’s doctors to get a update on my condtions. I this a good outcome why didn’t the Judge approve me when I was in the hearing with him why do it when I step out of the courtroom?
My son who is 8 was denied twice from social security. He just had his hearing Nov.29 and It went really well. The judge was very friendly and funny. He said I was very Articular. I’ve been fighting social security since 09′ and when we went to the hearing the lawyer provided new info my son was just diagnosed with Autisum. The judge said he needed to questionnaires from the psyc. nd a teacher questionnaire and report card and he give us two weeks to provide it he said once he received it he will take it from there. My son lawyer submitted the stuff the judge was asking Thursday morning dec 8. How long do u think my son will wait for a decision and the judge also mention that he does see that my son has some problems how good does this look for my son.
Is it ok to still work very part time? Income is below sga $and apply for ssdi?
I think that you are not right at all. Those judges don’t work hard on a case to review everything. They work hard to find loop holes to get the person no money. My husband filed in 2007 from a neck injury at work. He got a settlement from BWC and filed for disability because the fusion of the new bones in his neck didn’t set right and he had to have two surgeries have it fixed. Since that time, the strain has caused severe depression, he has had 3 heart attacks and shoulder surgery. He looks like he is 60 and he is only 48. The Adjunct said, and I quote, “I find his case to be too extreme to be believed.” He had his shrink, 40 years experience, dismissed. He had his physical doc dismissed and his heart doctor dismissed because he said, and I quote again, “They were being sympathetic to his case.” We have been waiting for the appeals council to render a decision because the judge denied his disability. We got our senator involved and they were able to get it remanded back to SSIDA. This judge in my husbands case, took the word of an SSID doctor that my husband saw for 10 minutes, who didn’t do any scans or and MRI. He is on so many medications that I can’t count on one hand. Then to top all that off, the state of Ohio denied him insurance because they made a mistake and have him receiving disability through Franklin Co. Job and Family Services. Well, if that is the case, where is the money? and why was that case allowed since 2005 before my husband filed for SSID? Yet these people who don’t deserve it or who have never had a surgery or are just lazy, get it on the first try. I personally know one guy, 45 years old, who got it the first time because he suffered from anxiety. He gets $49,000.00 a year and he got an initial check for $80,000.00. Explain that? You support these judges, you have no idea what they do. You have no idea how they ruin people’s lives. My car was repossessed, we are in foreclosure and I am the only one working for $3.40 and hour plus tips. You need to get a clue.
@Cathy: I totally fee your pain!!! My husband is Grand Mal epileptic,has 2 cracked vertebrea in is neck,From t4 thru t8 are crushed with t9 and t10 degenerative bone and disc desease,uncontrolled diabetes insulin dependent,illiostomy,major depression,neuropothy,and going blind. And try and get him insurance!!! But he just doesn’t seem to be sick enough for disability. Hmmm But the guy down the street has it and owns a tree service business, with snowplowing and seal coating and yes he works with all of the physically. The system is surely messed up!!!! And he too, takes 2 fists full of meds 3 times a day!!
My sister was diagnosed with MS, spondolythesis, and arachnoiditis. She applied for Social Security and was immediately approved with her first application. She got her first check within 3 months from filing. She did not get her Medicare for over a year.
I, on the other hand, filed and was denied, and had to go through the appeals process and go in front of a judge. It took nearly 4 years to get in front of that judge, and during that time I had to sell everything I had that was worth anything in order to try and feed myself and my kids. I lost my furniture, my jewelry, my car, my lawnmower, everything… finally I lost my home and had to live in my mother’s basement for nearly a year and a half (how embarrassing.) After the court hearing it took a little over 3 months to start receiving benefits.
I think a lot of it depends on your doctors, your diagnosis, and your mental condition/abilities. Some of it depends on what jerk you get reveiwing your application in the first place.
Hello I had my hearing on September 18, 2012 could not get decision due to the fact I worked in the year I applied so the judge needed my wage computation and letters regarding my attendance from jobs. I have been sick since October 2010, however tried to work to keep my rent and bills paid. Now my file is with the attorney for underwriting. When I called they said the judge made his decision and that now it’s at the attorney fpr underwriting. Can you tell me what that means.
It means that a Social Security employee is drafting a written decision for the judge to review and send out. Generally judges set out how they intend to decide and the writer drafts a complete written decision for the judge to approve.
I have been waiting since April 2011 so almost 2 years now. My family is practically homeless now because I can't get benfits that I know I will get. Its sad that so many people have to go through this.
hello i called the ss office and its been 2 weeks since my hearing and they made there decison and its been mailed is that a good sign ? the voc ex said if someone with my stuff cant work a full time job .is that a good sign .
i was denied cause the judge thinks im lying i guess im not really happy with him i hope one day he needs help and dont get it when he needs it …. i am disabled and can even hardly go out and walk but he thinks i can work 40 plus a week smh hes stupid
I applied for disability in march of 2005 and was denied I had a lawyer and appealed it and went to court in march of 2013 and was approved on the spot waiting approvel letter its been almost 60 days and still noithing my friend went to court and 3 weeks later he had his approvel letter what seems to be going on with it
I was wondering if anyone could answer a question. I see a lot of posts where people went to hearings and no decision was made that day, rather the decision would be mailed to them. How many of you got approval letters. I went to court last week and seemed to have had a nice judge and I did have a very good lawyer. But the judge said I would receive his decision in the mail. My friend said everyone she knows on SSI got an approval right there at the hearing. So, I am now wondering if this means I will be denied. Any thoughts? I have been trying since 2008 to get approved.
Sherry, the official procedure at SSA now is for judges not to announce their decisions. As you will recall, there are no baliffs or other security present at hearings so SSA believes it is safer for all parties if judges do not announce what they are going to do. Nevertheless, a few judges do still announce, but most do not. I would not read anything into the fact that your judge did not announce his decision.
I had a hearing July 17, the vocational expert said there is no jobs I can work. The judge said he didn’t get my medical records from my doctor yet. Soon as he gets it, he will send me a copy and make his decision. So he received it, I got a letter with the copies of my medical record. The letter said if I don’t contact him within 10 days for a supplement hearing, he is going to make his decision. Should I think its a good chance I got approve, because why would I need a supplement hearing if I didn’t get approve yet
Supplemental hearing I meant
The same thing here Sherry I want to court Jun 24 I was nervous because he haven’t told me his decision, My lawyer said some judges will let you know on the spot most of them wouldn’t. so ask my lawyer do he think my case is going to be denied because they have to mail me my decision he said no that’s not the case it have to be review by the judge again and the SSi System to determine my case all I could say I’m very nervous now waiting for my decision….. if my case is denied im going to appeal it……
I had my hearing on June 21, 2013. Still waiting on decision. My attorney told me it was in “decision writing”, anyone know how long that takes?
I have progressive multiple sclerosis for 14 years can i apply for ssdi. I haven’t. Worked in 5 years. My body just shut down completely. Vision problems. Fatigue. Weakness. Bladder and bowels problems. .
Yes, you can and should apply for SSD. One issue that is likely to come up will be your date last insured (DLI)for Title II Disability. In order to collect SSD, you will need to prove that your symptoms precluded all work prior to your date last insured. Assuming you were working full time, your date last insured generally runs about 5 years from the date you stopped working. You can apply even if your DLI has run but you will have to prove that you became disabled prior the DLI.
I want to thank you for this blog. I am so frustrated i as well been waiting for almost six months my lawyers office PA is a joke i sometimes have to tell her the status because she does not even know how to call and give me an update.My health is worse than at the hearing plus it is a hard financial situation to be in .My heart goes out to all of you i know how you feel.Once again thank you for all the info and explanation of how the system works at least we know what we are facing.
My partner has a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis called Tumafactive Multiple Sclerosis. This causes the lesions in his brain to look and act more like a tumor. He has a long list of debilitating symptoms including loss of peripheral vision and visual acuity, neuropathic pain, bowel and bladder incontinence, slurred speech, headaches, unsteady gait and balance issues, tremors, spasms, and depression. He is on a long list of meds to help slow down the progression and to treat his symptoms but the drugs cause him problems as well. He has been denied disability and medicaid. We appealed and are awaiting the judges decision. Sadly the judge he got has a 12% approval rate. I am terrified he will be denied. He is so sick. He can barley walk. I feel like I am watching him die before my eyes. I am baffled at the amount of people who get disability for dubious claims while others who have verifiable disabling conditions have to fight and wait for help. His last MRI showed 3 new lesions in his brain and 2 new lesions in his spinal cord. I have been advocating for him and we have been very diligent in taking him to the doctor and keeping copies of his records to send to ODAR. 3 doctors and 1 physical therapist have written letters supporting his disability claim and gave reasons why. He has had 2 residual functional capacity forms done, and 2 listing forms. I am blown away that after all of this he is still being jerked around. For those of you out there with true disabilities, keep fighting! For those of you out there who aren’t your clogging up a system that is already overburdened and your adding to the problem.
I WENT TO MY HEARING WITH THE ALJ ON AUGEST 21 2015 ….I CALLED SOCIAL SECURITY TODAY I WAS TOLD MY PAPERWORK IS WITH A UNDERWRITER ..HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT NOW FOR MY DECISION ??????
Hi i went to my hearing three months ago they have told my attorney it is with the decision writer. the ve said i could do some work but had to say i would not be able to keep a job due to missed days does it sound like i have a chance of winning
I agree with how you see this – based on those questions and answers I’d say you are likely to win.
I had my hearing on June 16, 2016 in Springfield MO. The hearing went well and the VE had no jobs I could do. none. Fast forward to December 18, 2016 and my Judge has made a decision but it has been in writing since October 12, 2016. I get the same robot answer when I ask how much longer. Does anyone know??
Thank you.
I went in front of ALJ in Oct 2016 I wasn’t ajed any questions by the VE or Judge I cryed the entire time I’ve got PTSD,chronic depression, sexual abuse andfandf chronic leg pain I can’t stand or dit in the same way for very long I must lay down I was brutality raped n2012 and have become a nervous wreck my question is my lawyer said u had a 95% chance of getting an approval does it sound like it to you?
Tammy, I would rely on what your lawyer is telling you since he/she was there and has also reviewed the evidence.
Had my hearing 5 wks ago.the judge is below the national avg for favoring cases..I am 51. Its panic disorder.deppresion case.my hearing attorney was there for me and the firm that represents me.after the hearing the attorney said that the medical expert said I could do little work.the v.e said I could do one of the lighter jobs I had had.the attorney ask the v.e that how long I would last at that job if I were absent .she said two days.at the hearing my testimony was my current medicine zyprexa.depokote .I had hospitalizations.a failed work attempt.and judge ask me if medication worked .I said no makes me sick.don’t no how this is going to go.
i filed on 2/9/2017 how long will it be before i see alj and have hearing
It will be year as if next month from the first time i applied. I was denied once. Got an attorney.Denied again 5 months later for reconderation. in July my app was sent to ODAR for a hearing by my atty. In August i got a letter from ODAR saying they need any new evidence so they can review my case for a OTR. my attorney sent it. and two weeks later we got a court date for Next month.
I went to my hearing today (without representation, due to my lawyer dropping me). I think it went well, the judge asked me a bunch of questions and had the VE testify, he stated that I could not perform any of my past jobs and named three that he said were sedentary and unskilled that I could do. I was truthful with the judge about everything. I explained to him that due to dire circumstances I was forced to work two months ago due to my son passing away and my needing to bury him. He was very understanding and offered his condolences. He made it clear to me that in no way had he been baised by making a decision on my case before court. He then thanked me for my service to the country and stated that concluded our hearing. I was afraid because his approval ratings are the lowest out of all the judges in Georgia. Do you think I will be approved?
Alisha, without knowing what the evidence says or if the judge posed any questions to the vocational witness, there is no way to predict the outcome. Sorry I can’t be more help.
I had my hearing in September 2017 as of yet there is no change on the ssa website. I have called OHO and they said the judge is reviewing my file. What does that mean. My lawyer told me won our case after the hearing. It has been 9 weeks since my hearing and nothing is changing. What can I do? Im losing everything and if I could work Id be in a position somewhere. Its the holidays and my kids will not have another christmas. Crying is all I can do!
I filed my claim in August of 214…was denied.Refiled with a lawyer…denied again.Refiled 11-15 and had to go to a judge.Went to see Judge in May of 2017 (my lawyer told me it looked like it went well even though I couldnt hear a word she was saying because of hearing loss.She said If she approved my claim it would be year to year.All VE Questions regarding my ability to work were No)…got a letter a week to have a CE exam due to Closed Angle Glaucoma.I recieved the results Oct 21 2017 (pressure in both eyes 40+..normal is below 20.Blind in right eye..Extreme vision lost in left.Specialist said I would have extreme difficulty working in any occupation and should get immediate treatment to try ands save the vision in my left eye).It is now mid Jan 2018 and still waiting on a decision.My lawyer checks once a week and nothing.My vision is getting worse in left eye..headaches constantly due to eye pressure (prescribed eye drops arent relieving it anymore). I’m hoping I wont be totally blind before getting a decision….but its looking that way
I when to my hearing today with my lawyer . after i answer all questions i was asked , ask to be excuse to use the restroom and when i was coming back the lawyer came out of the judge room and told me that everything when well and we needed to wait at least 3 months ? What does that means ? I’ve been denied 2 times. Does that means I was denied ?
It sounds like you probably were approved.
Hi I’ve been trying to get on disibility since 2014 when I was diagnosed with PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder I had been seeing a therapist for 3 years when she decided to fill out the paperwork saying I was unable to work with my conditions and medication I was on I had my first hearing in 2017 3 years it took and another denial said my therapist report had no say and couldn’t use hers to deem me disabled but yet there therapist that seen me for 20 min had everything to say and was used as evidence to find me not disabled, so in 2017 my work credits talped out so my lawyer filed for straight ssi grant I have to beable to prove u cant work for 12 months and your condition will last that long since 2014 that’s 3 years without working plus nownin 2018 I had to have both my hips replaced I had to have major back surgery all in 2 years and my condition keeps getting worse the new CE exam they sent me to even said this time around I’m unable to work and all the new meds I’m on cause of the severe pain everyday i cant barely stand on my own my nerves in my lower extremities are completely gone that i cant feel my foot to tell if I’m stepping on flat ground or if i miss it I’ve been in the hospital for falling numerous times i went to my new disibility alj hearing in August my same lawyer did let the judge know that the exam they sent me to did say I couldn’t work the VE this time was the same one in 2014 which was odd to me but oh well they all said I couldn’t do my past work of A CNA I cant help people anymore with there daily living I cant even help my own but they said I couldn’t do that but he did say 1 or 2 jobs hypothetically if in my condition would I get fired and yes he said I wouldn’t beable to do those two jobs. It dont make sense to me at all how these judges can decide not disabled when its obvious they are I had to lay across 2 chairs when I went in front of the judge cause I cant sit down I finally had the nerve conduction that the judge wanted to wait for and my hospital records for all the times I been there I’m sorry but 8 years without working ending up homeless isnt a joke to get 700 a month income from making 3000 a month who would want to live like that unless they had no choice. My lawyer told the judge I was homeless and asked for a expedited decision it’s now april 28th 2020 and still no decision I dont understand it how 8 months can go by without a simple i can see that she has a disibility when there are people who get approved in 3 months just for headaches and that is my old neighbor our system is messed up so bad that the people with actual disability have to struggle for years to keep food or a roof over there heads but yet a 22 year old with no medical evidence can hop right up on and get it cause they just dont wanna work. I’m just now 43 at 40 I had my first hip replaces cause of osteoarthritis then it spread to my other hip a year later had that one done then my lower back had to have a fusion but yet they say I can keep a job for 40 hours a week 4 weeks out of the month and yet with all the medications I get I would fall asleep or get hurt on a job I’m a fall risk for any company cause I have no balance or cant walk without the help. Any suggestions I need a new lawyer but how can I get a different one to take my case since the one I’ve had has been in ot for so long even tho he has t done anything for me
Hi I applied in 2014 with a lawyer for ssdi I had worked as a CNA since I was 19 I’m now 44 I was denied multiple times even tho I have PTSD, severe depression, anxiety disorder,. My therapist I had been seeing for 3 years had said I was unable to work, but the judge said he couldn’t use her as a medical expert in there decision but yet the CE exam has never met before has a huge decision factor makes no damn sense. I’m on major medication that effects my ability to function or driving a vehicle yet was denied after 3years of trying I tapped out my ssdi credits so in 2017 my lawyer filed again for straight ssi payments but since 2017 I have had 2 hip replacements major back surgery neuropathy on my right lower leg I have no feeling in my foot due to my sciatic nerve that was pinched for so long it caused permanent damage I fall constantly my leg is longer then the other one since my hips were done I cant walk long distances without assistance and the new pain medications I’m on definitely cant work and definitely cant go back to my past jobs. After he filled my new claim I was still denied and set for another alj hearing different judge tho this time the new CE exam I had said I was unable to work as well my lawyer during the hearing had made the judge aware of her findings the VE happened to be the same one I had the first go around which seemed odd but he stated I couldn’t go back to past work but I could do 1 job but in my condition hypothetically would I miss more then 2 days of work he said yes there would be no jobs. I couldn’t even sit in the hearing office I had to lay down on 2 chairs because the nerve in my back was so bad the nerve conduction study I had was off the charts my lawyer for 6 years almost 7 still hasnt been able to get me approved he never cross examined the VE never asked questions to even suggest me not being able to hold a job that I definitely cant do. my hearing was in August of 2019 it’s now almost May 2020 and still no answer the judge said he was waiting for the nerve testing and the hospital records of me going to the hospital in massive pain, he should have gotten that info by now my lawyer says they check 3 times a week and nothing yet I’m getting really frustrated we told the judge I was homeless and my lawyer asked him for a expedited decision and still nothing I asked him if I could call and find out they told me not to call the judges office at all so ya that’s where I’m standing as of right now homeless no money no car no nothing and no decision what can I do I cant even go see my drs anymore cause I have no way there or cant barely walk or get the help I need
I also forgot to add I had numerous people write down statements of what I used to do and what I’m able to do now and that’s nothing I dont go out anymore I dont even do my grocery shopping I have to have friends do it for me they all said that I cant work It says that u have to beable to prove u cant work for 12 months it’s been 7 years and i havnt had a job u would think that alone would be enough for a judge to see i cant work who would want to live like this no one would i would live to beable to work in my field again i loved helping people the elderly and disabled but now that I’m one of them i cant get anything at all. I have no work history for 7 years now why isnt that proof enough for a disability judge cause i sure dont like being homeless without any money or a place to sleep. No one would want to live on 700 a month if they didnt have no choice to the system is crooked I’ve seen so many people on ssi it’s crazy people who can work of they can water ski or swim or go to the mall shopping or even the casino so many people at the casino here in Arkansas on the first with there disibility money. Wow it’s insane I maybe need a new lawyer or can I even get a different one since the one I have has been on my case for so long I dont think another lawyer would pick me up any suggestions please
What does it mean transferable work cause if I was a CNA my whole work history and cant do that anymore period cause of my disibility with that my age 44 without a high school diploma how can I do a different job that they try and point out u can do when most jobs u have to have a diploma and or experience I’m 44 cant go back and get one and cant do my past job so wouldnt that qualify me anyways for ssi or having g surgery on a weight bearing joint I’ve had both done I dont understand there rules of being approved and like I said my lawyer is no good or I should have been approved years ago from what others say it took for them to get approved idk anymore maybe if I go and ad.it myself to the psychiatric hospital cause in my first application I tried to commit suicide and was there but yet was denied over and over again