Finally got court date for SSDI appeal...

[UNBRE4K4BLE]

Hello, I sustained a traumatic brain injury on 12-9-04, which led me to apply for ss disability in early 2005, which was denied. I then filed an appeal in August of '05 and I have just now gotten a court date a few days ago which is scheduled for November. So, anyway, the purpose of this thread is to try to get an idea of what I can expect from here on. I obviously do not expect anyone to be able to guess whether I will be approved or not....I'm wondering more about how things work. Meaning what happens if I'm approved? My lawyer has said something about the judge not giving a ruling at the hearing, but instead sending a written notification later on. How long could this take? And if I am approved, approximately how long could it take for me to see any money? I've read about people who were approved after waiting forever for a ruling, and then still not seeing a dime for a long time after that.

Sorry for the book, I just want to know if I should just forget this and be forced to try and get a job or just continue to wait it out. Thank you for any thoughts or information. It is appreciated :)

[shespeaks247]

I can tell you how long it's taking in my case. I had my ALJ hearing on Jan 6, 2006, and I'm still waiting to hear the decision. Yes, I have an attorney/representation. I don't entertain the thought of 'giving up and going out to work' though...because I can't work. I'm disabled to the point of not leaving my home unless I'm going to the doctor/hospital at this point (I waited on filing and worked until I could not work even one more second...probably a mistake on MY part).

I hope the hearing goes well for you and you don't have to wait for the decision as long as I've been waiting.

Pam

[Sammie]

I had my hearing in Sept of this year..received a bench decision and my fully fav. letter 4 days later..I am still waiting for my benefits to come in, but I checked yesterday and my folder is at the payment center...

I guess it all depends on how back logged your state is ....

[UNBRE4K4BLE]

Thank you for your replies. I appreciate your insight.

It sounds like it's a hit or miss kind of thing, so I guess I will keep waiting, on the chance that I get approved and things move quickly.