We just filed the Social Security Disability application…
First of all…worst and longest application I have ever had the displeasure of filling out. Literally took me four days-about two hours each day for a grand total of about 8 hours to complete.
My husband was temporarily in a different state when he found out about his diagnosis. Then he finished out his project there before returning home. We had to transfer records, establish oncology team, have all the diagnostic tests re-ran, then his tumor started to capture his carotid artery and cause uncontrollable bleeding. LOTS of time in the hospital followed and then fast tracked into treatment before the artery was so damaged by the tumor that it would’ve become fatal! Anyway, that kept us very busy and we now have two weeks left of treatment but we are just now getting this application filed.
He seems to think the journey is Over!! (Lol!) And he won’t be approved and forced to go back to work immediately. How long post treatment DOES THE ABILITY to work a very physically demanding job return? What were your Social Security journeys like?
Mentally, my husband wants to return to work. He knows he is not physically ready yet and feels like he may need about a year to 18mths for recovery. He is worried about eating through our retirement savings and I feel like he is going to push himself back to work too soon. What were other peoples experiences with this part of their lives? Thank you in advance for the advice and personal perspectives.
UPDATE:
We got a message today from SS Office sayin…
”The DDS received your application at the local office on OCTOBER 6, 2026, and will assign the application for review and development as soon as possible.
In MICHIGAN, the average medical review takes 116 days. This time frame is an estimate for reference and subject to change on a case by case basis.”
“Nationally, it takes an average of 200 to 230 days for a complete decision. In Michigan, the average is 168 days.”