The Process

The process for applying for applying for Social Security Disability has changed a bit from when we did it for Robert's brother Bill ten years ago. 

Ten years ago, Robert and Bill had to go to the Social Security office and fill out a bunch of paperwork and take documentation to show why Bill couldn't work. 

Today, you fill out an application online. 

You have to give the names of your doctors, give medial release for Social Security to contact those doctors, provide details of any tests you have done and even list jobs you have worked at for the last few years. It's a lot.

It can also be very overwhelming and very time consuming. It is also frustrating because in multiple places, you have to repeat yourself. You have to say the reasons that you think you deserve to be approved for SSDI. 

Ww have given medical release. We have lists his doctors. We have told him when and where he got his MRIs. We have all of our documentation showing the affects HD has had on his brain. We have a letter from his last employer explaining the problems Robert had learning the new job. 

Once it is all complete, you wait.

They say it can take up to six months before you hear anything. 

The chances of being denied the first time are pretty high. If you are denied, you can appeal the decision.

There are three levels of appeal. 

The first appeal can take 3 - 4 months before a decision is reached. 

The second appeal can be 18 - 24 months to make a ruling.

The third appeal can be another 18 - 24 months. 

If you are denied then, you start all over with a new claim and wait yet again. 

When it comes to Huntington's Disease, it is not uncommon to be denied numerous times. 

We pray we only have to file the initial application and its easily approved. 

Updates will be provided as we have them.