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Common Myths About Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
February 22nd, 2011 - Posted by Diana Lee1. No one is approved on the initial application.The truth is that as many as 50 to 60% of applicants are denied based on their initial applications for benefits. But there any many things you can do to put your best foot forward in advocating for yourself. Though there are no guarantees, we have a number of articles on Migraine.com that can help you make your best case for benefits.
2. Certain health conditions are automatically approved for benefits.
3. Certain health conditions are ineligible for benefits. Many people mistakenly believe that no one with conditions such as migraines or fibromyalgia are eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The truth is that every case is unique and is considered on its own merits. For example, I was approved for SSDI benefits for being
unable to work due to chronic migraines and depression.
4. If my doctor says I am disabled I am entitled to SSDI benefits. Your doctor’s take on your situation is undoubtedly a key piece of your disability application. But the Social Security Administration must determine whether you meet their definition of “disabled.” Only then can you be awarded benefits. Sometimes a doctor believes a person is not able to work, but the SSA disagrees. This point underscores the importance of tailoring the information you submit to make sure it meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
5. Filing for benefits is giving up on ever getting better. Filing for benefits is simply an acknowledgment that for the time being you are unable to work. Hopefully in the future you might be able to return to a job. Social Security has a great return to work program to help ease the transition back into the work force.
6. You must be in dire financial straights to qualify. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is only for people with limited resources, but Social Security Disability (SSD) may be available to you regardless of income level.
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"I had my first migraine when I was 12. I thought I was going blind, the spots in my vision all grouped together and everything went black. The pain was intense and felt like my head would crack open above my right eye." 
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I know that I havent worked long enough to get SSD. I have diabetes with bad circulation problems and my Doc told me i could not work because of the bad circulation I had to my legs and feet. that was back in 2003. Now due to a bad luick with a triple AAA repair I have what they call right foot drop I am now really disabled and cant even stand up in a shower on my ow or drive a car. would it be possible for me to get SSD if I would apply for it?
I worked part time for a few years and then full time for a couple of years, and I was able to qualify for SSD. So, it is possible to earn the “credits” required to qualify for benefits. People can go online to request a Social Security Statement; which will show a lot of information, including the number of credits earned to date, and the amount of SSD they would qualify for if they became disabled.
Yes, that is correct, Kelly. A general guideline is that you must have worked 5 of the last 10 years, but that isn’t hard or fast.
You said that SSD is available regardless of income level. But, it is true you have to have worked a certain length of time to qualify, correct?
Unfortunately, a few of the years I worked were for a school district, so I did not get SS taken out of my check. But I didn’t work long enough at the school district to qualify for their disability. So, I got screwed as far as being able to qualify for disability.