The stories told here are based on true events, but names (and some details) have been changed. These stories are intended to show how different types of disabilities can be treated by Social Security as they go through the disability application process. Remember that each disability claim is different from the next, and your claim may be as unique as your individual situation.
Erica's moods were out of control. Many days she was severely depressed. She had lost interest in leaving her house, or sometimes even leaving her bed. Erica felt that she was worthless and had thoughts of ending her misery. But sometimes she felt edgy, almost hyper, and couldn't concentrate or focus. Sometimes it was difficult to get a point across when talking. She knew something was wrong, so she began seeing a doctor in 1995. She was then diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She applied for Social Security disability in 1996.
Andrew was experienced in his job, but accidents happen to even the most experienced of workers. An accident at work left his spine injured, and from then on he had chronic pain. No medications helped, and he had to change positions every twenty minutes because of the pain. It affected his sleep, his daily activities, and prevented him from returning to work. He immediately applied for Social Security disability and Workers Compensation.
Sharon had several problems. Her arthritis was getting worse every week, and sometimes her legs hurt so bad she couldn't stand. She couldn't do her regular daily activities such as gardening and taking walks. But Sharon had another major problem: anxiety. She couldn't handle stress very well, and sometimes she lost control in the worst places. Her work had been understanding, but they were becoming frustrated with her medical needs. Sharon could sense that she would soon be out of a job. She decided to apply for Social Security disability in 2004.
Erica, the woman with bipolar disorder, qualified for only SSI because she had little income, and hadn't earned enough work credits to qualify for disability. Social Security requested her medical records and determined that she did meet the listings for mental disorders. Her condition was severe enough that she could not perform any type of work. She now has Medicare and is receiving mental treatment.
Andrew, the man with back problems, qualified for SSI and disability. He had very little income, and had worked enough to earn work credits necessary for disability insurance. He also qualified separately for Workers Compensation benefits, so his SSI and Disability benefits were offset a bit. He is still in chronic pain, but at least he doesn't have to worry about financial support.
Sharon did not qualify for Social Security under Anxiety alone, and she did not qualify for her Arthritis alone. After she applied, she lost her job and could not find work. Her disability and SSI case went to hearing, where they stated that she could perform work such as a toll booth, where she could stand and sit as needed for her Arthritis. But since she has Anxiety also, which prevents her from stressful situations (and in her case, enclosed spaces), there was no job she could perform. So she was approved for and SSI at the hearing level. If Sharon had been able to work, she could have worked a few hours without losing her benefits (up to SGA levels).
These are stories that many can relate to, but each individual disability claim is different in many ways. Wherever you are in the application process, best of luck.