Thanks, Jeannetta; I will continue to do so. I figure, as you say, that it can only help others through the process. And it also helps me to write it all down somewhere.

I was surprised at how interesting the process was in filling out the questionnaire. I thought the trip down memory lane (they go 15 years back) might disturb me. Instead it really did clearly lay out to me just how long and consistently i have had a problem.

Just an update to say there is no update. My case is still pending.

Finally! I had my psych evaluation with the dr who makes recommendations to the DES. It was an hour long and was both a good experience and very stressful. I will go into more details later - wanted to at least put in this quick update.

Oh, and I also experienced a problem with DES losing important paperwork. Weird. Must be very disorganized in there.

Make copies, keep backups, and follow up on everything!

Jilly, from what i have seen, almost everyone is initially denied at first, and then after they go through an appeal process they may get disability. I have yet to meet someone who is on SS disability who did not have to appeal.
thought i would mention this to stress the importance of keeping copies of everything. Make sure you fill out each and every item they give you to fill out. Carefully watch your mailbox and stay in frequent communication as needed. It is a very long process, but one that can really lead to an improvement in peoples lives once they get through it.

Lisa, according to the DES information, 39% of people are accepted in the first round. I really hope I can be in that percent; it would be wonderful to be able to have more than $10 a month to spend on non-utilities. I am having to be really creative (which is fun but not a perfect solution) in my frugality to get by.

Last wed I called to follow up with the psych evaluator and see if they ever got my SSI information packet. They had finally received it that day, over a week AFTER my appointment with him.

Tomorrow I will call again and see if he has made/sent in his dictation yet. I just figure I will make follow up calls to SSI every wed to make sure nothing in my case will fall through the cracks.

If i get denied this round, it takes at least one year and sometimes up to SEVEN to get accepted.

39% is definitely hopeful! I think a lot of the issues come from people not knowing how to fill out paperwork properly. As an experienced writer, you have an advantage. You also know how to follow-up. That is what it takes!

My personal experience sounds skewed.

I receive SSI Disability
Most people here don't get it on the first try
My mental health therapist help me a great deal with the paper work she came with me when i applied
good luck Jilly

Thank you, Rosie! And let's hope so, Lisa.

My update: i called the SSI shrink Wed and found out that my dictation had been sent out Monday. This all took a lot longer than anyone anticipated, since the shrink got my paperwork a week late, and then I guess got behind with his other volume of projects.

My next step is to call DES and see if they actually received a copy of the dictation. I also need to request a copy of it for myself.

The trick seems to be to follow up on every. single. step. of the. process.

I want DES to have every factor at their disposal when the day comes to make their determination.

They received the dictation. It was not in my favor. I was turned down.

Now i need to start the appeals process. I am devastated.