You’re probably wondering about that title. Shouldn’t I be upset that I was denied SSDI? I should be, but I’m not.
I’ll admit, I teeny tiny part of me was hoping that I’d be approved for SSDI on the first application, and that teeny tiny part of me is a little bit disappointed. It would have made things immeasurably easier, no doubt about it. But I also know that a ton of people get denied the first time around. I read the denial rate was 80%. I don’t know if that’s accurate, but more than 80% of the people I know have been denied the first time they applied, so I was assuming I would be too. What I didn’t expect at all was that it would happen so quickly! I applied for SSDI less than 2 months ago. At the time, the web confirmation told me to expect a response within 4 months, but I assumed that was wrong. I figured I wouldn’t hear anything for at least 6 months, maybe even a year. And I heard today!
So I’m saying this is good news, because now I get to appeal the decision this month, instead of having to wait until next spring. As soon as I speak with my lawyer I can start the next stage of this annoying, irritating, frustrating, exasperating process. The sooner I get approved, the easier my life will be. I am fortunate to be in a position where I can manage not having any income in the short term, but I’m not exactly wealthy, and not having an income in the long term could be a real problem. I don’t want to cringe tomorrow when I buy the large 24-pack of toilet paper, but I know I will. I don’t want to wear pants that are 2 sizes too big because I can’t justify even thrift store spending, but I do. I don’t want to depend on others to support me, but without SSDI I will have to. SSDI may not pay much (actually, it would be $3 more than my current rent each month!) but it’s still far better than nothing!
So starting tomorrow (or whenever my lawyer gets back to me) I can be proactive and work on appealing this damn thing! I’ll let you know what happens….
Chronic Rants 
About 65% get declined on the first go. Seems to be no rhyme or reason.
I was thrilled to get approved right away until a former coworker put it into perspective. She said “wow you must be waay sicker than anyone thought”. Fantastic
Ugh, I hate those kinds of comments/thoughts. Maybe you just got a worker who was feeling sympathetic that day? That’s a much nicer thought, whether or not it’s true.
You rock for seeing the bright side of things. The keep calm and carry on attitude is awesome. I’m still kind of stuck on the freak out and throw stuff side of things. 😉
Well, I have to admit that I have my freak out and throw stuff times too. I just try not to have them every day 🙂