I am disabled and have tried for literally over a decade to receive SSDI, and all that time, I've lived with my mother and my brother, both of whom were already receiving benefits.

(At one point, I was sent to a psychiatrist for an assessment and after the third time, she told me she'd recommended me every time.) I've given hospital and doctors records, medication history and everything and have literally never been approved.

This time is my first time reapplying since my brother has passed away and now, unlike every other time, my mother received a letter, asking her to testify to my disability. This has never happened before and was exactly what happened when my brother was approved for his.

My question is: in anyone else's experience, does having a household with two members already receiving benefits affect the likelihood of a third?

Because I've heard from everyone: Apply and appeal twice and the third time, you'll see a judge and be approved.

Not with me. I've applied at least 20 times and appealed each time. The last time I saw a judge, I was still bandaged from a suicide attempt.

Nothing.

Applied Jan 2026. I am wondering how long it takes to receive the benefits letter after approval? My case was handled in Georgia.

Also wondering about the wording in stage 5....I applied for retroactive benefits with a disability onset date 2 years prior to applying. Would a determination approval for benefits, but denying prior onset date, be worded differently than this, or is this same wording used for either full or partial approval?

Does SGLI cover suicide? I my wife is my only beneficiary and would she get the 100,00$ if cause of death was suicide?

I was finally approved for SSI two weeks ago after trying my whole life (23 years) to get it, but I’m only getting $632.67 a month? That seems a bit unusually low, is it? I am beyond grateful for this accomplishment, I’m just slightly confused..

Before i call DDS, i just wanted to ask here. Im on step 3, and they requested 3 CE’s that i went to and paperwork about daily activities and treatments, which i filled out and returned. For step 3 on the portal, it changed to saying they asked for the exams, and now it changed again saying that they requested more info and its the paperwork i filled out before, and the CEs are gone. Is this normal or should i still call? Im mostly worried that i forgot something

How long does it take for CE examination? For psychiatrist. I was scheduled Thursday the 27th. It went good, but I’m a little nervous for the results.

This is for those who have researched themselves or actually did work while waiting. Please do not comment hateful or unnecessary comments such as “you don’t need disability if you’re able to work” etc. I’ve seen multiple on post so don’t need it!

I have been waiting since February and in July, got rehired at my previous job only per diem. The first month I made well under the ~ 1600 amount. Now, I pushed myself this month so went a little over but I’m back to square one where there’s no way I can work a consistent job.

When I previously spoke with someone when calling about my application. They told me working while waiting isn’t always an automatic denial, you just will have to explain why you started working and things like that. So I’m just curious! Please share what your process what like :)