How to Get SSI & Social Security Disability: An Insider's Step by Step Guide

If you want something from it, you should know that they expect you to put something in it before-hand. One system intends for you to put 40 units, (or ten years) of working time into social security to get disability, or you will need to have 5 out of the past 10 years work into it for the other.Even though I have spoken to a person, you need to go through the steps, so this book is a good way to get some of the help you need. While I spoke to the person, she suggested I submit to get disability to then be added to Medicare ahead of age 65. I can also get it applied back to the time I became disabled. This was as good as it things could be, given the circumstances.Laws need to change, since I have added to social security for years when I was young, but oh well. It would even be great if they gave me back the money they took in the 70s and 80s.

It’s a book with words. Blah blah. Better content online fo free.

I knew absolutely nothing about how to apply for SSI for my disabled daughter. I had put off applying for several years as I was frightened I'd get it wrong and not have enough medical evidence of her disabilities. This book helped me understand the process and how much documentation would be required. We should have applied as soon as she turned 18, but as it was she was 22 by the time I got this book. She was approved within a month of our application because I knew how to fill out the many pages of forms and I had already got all the necessary medical and psychological testing reports copied first. The book was very helpful with explaining why the process can take a long time, how to check up on claim progress without annoying the case worker, what documentation to take to the SS office to avoid wasting everyone's time.I guess if you know someone who already knows how to claim SSI or SSDI then you don't need the book, but I didn't know anyone on any kind of disability benefits so I did find this book extremely helpful.

Without a doubt the best book out there for this purpose.Concise information that lays out a plan.You can be sick beyond belief and unable to move by yourself, but without the correct information on the correct forms (and proper wording), you are doomed.It took us two tries to get disability for an ailing family member and her child.The first try was on our own with a "Social Security Lawyer" who was slightly less useful than wings on a starship.We had the medical records to back us up, but did not know how to organize the information into the forms SS required, nor did the attorney.(Don't expect any law firm to do more for you than file the paperwork you provide.Good advice is in very short supply. They will not help you decide what to put on the forms etc.)This book tells you what the decision-makers look for, their guidelines and thought processes.You need to explain clearly and concisely exactly how the situation prevents your loved-one from working.This book lends a much-needed hand.Kudos to the author.And thank you.

I bought this and two other books (the nolo book and Smith's workbook). I found it okay, but no different than what was available online for free. It was not helpful in the application process or with the questionnaires. I did use some very helpful books to help with the Adult Function Report Questionnaire, the Work History Questionnaire, and one to help my family member with the Third Party Function Report (it really is a lot to hand to someone and say just fill it out). The books I found most useful that really went step by step through the process with instruction that was easy to follow were Patricia Petow's "How to Get Social Security Disability SSI" and the Wilborn method workbooks: social security disability: a step by step guide to getting your benefits:initial application level which took me step by step through the questions and the Wilborn social security disability a guide for witnesses the function report adult third party form book. These 3 books helped me get through the required paperwork, which is what I needed help with. If you are about to apply, or in the process of applying and will have to complete these questionnaires, save yourself the time and money and get the Petow book and the Wilborn workbooks. All of the reading in those is directly related to application, from credible experienced sources.

An excellent resource for anyone trying to navigate the needlessly complex world of obtaining help when circumstances deem it necessary. Attorneys are only glad to jump in when you have been DENIED and then I have known them to continue to drag it out no matter how DIRE the need as they receive 25% of the retroactive funds you are awarded. I am a retired Legal Asst./Paralegal and have seen this game played in several cases. This book provides guidance in avoiding the tricks inherent in the system.

This book has been invaluable to me. Michael Davis describes the application process from the perspective of a professional who, for 7 years, made social security disability claims decisions. He emphasizes the importance of completeness and accuracy, and "spoon feeds" you with what the claims examiner is looking for and how you can help him/her obtain all the details necessary to make an informed decision.The social security disability application process can seem daunting, but Mr. Davis breaks it down into simple terms.I highly recommend this book. To help get it right the first time.

Very simple & large print. Overall I would not buy this book again. Nothing presented in it was very helpful. Better to just go to Social Security website or go to an attorney. The whole system is complex & this book was not very helpful