If it was not for my wonderful doctor at the time, I would not have had disability SSDI today. I was denied the first time, and he did everything to get it for me. I did have to go for an interview, and fill out a few forms but I did get it without having to hire an attorney.

Attorney's take these cases because SSDI, SSI gives you a lump sum from the time you became disabled. Mine amounted to $10,000!!! I don't know what the "cut" would have been if an attorney was doing it for me. But because I worked without one, I got the full amount. I was shocked. So, lawyer's take these cases on, and only get paid when you get paid because they know of the lump sum payment that most, if not all, get when they are approved.

I was homeless at the time, but in the hospital so it really did help a bunch. I've never had that amount of money all at once, and it was so comforting to have. I went through it fairly quickly, but do not know what I would have done if not for that doctor who took special care of me, so I would not be out on the streets, sick and unable to care for myself. I'd be a street person, if not for him...or dead. I don't think I could have lived like that.

Toe, I'm so glad you got your SSI it does help to have that safety net. I don't like being in the "system" though, and would prefer if I was able to work at a salary that could support me, but I'm not and am grateful.

I wanted to add, you will not be disqualified because they give you a time frame for you to spend that amount, so you can continue to receive your benefits. So, if you get $5000 in back pay, you can have no more than 1000 or 2000 dollars (I forget the amount, so I'm just using these figures as an example), so you will have to spend that 3000 dollars in a few months. That's how it works. It's crazy. But you have to spend it in order to stay on it. I bought all kinds of things for my new apartment.