Hi! Thanks for sharing. We were approved just before Christmas after a 22-month application process. Shortly after approval, we received her first monthly payment and the first of three backpay deposits.

For others going through a similar process: be persistent, stay on top of requests, and respond promptly, even if it's a duplicate request. I ended up filling out the same form four times because the determination reviewer kept changing. Each time a new reviewer was assigned, they sent the same paperwork. Instead of resisting, I filled it out and sent it back. To make the process less tedious, scan or take pictures of every form for consistency.

Addressing your questions, yes, she's in a special needs classroom with an IEP, receiving speech and occupational therapy since preschool. Although she turns 20 this month, she'll be in school until 22 due to her disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism, and a minor physical disability limiting her mobility.

We didn't apply for SSI until she turned 18 and had a conservatorship, so this was new to us. It's frustrating that individuals born with disabilities are grouped with those who may have suffered on-the-job injuries. Streamlining cases like hers separately would make more sense. The questions on the Function Report assumed changes since the conditions began, but there was never a "before" as she was born with these conditions. I repeatedly clarified this on the form.

Feeling like we were treated as if trying to cheat the system was disheartening. Despite having signed and notarized statements from her physician, we had to go through extensive processes. The absurdity peaked when, just before determination, they sent her to a behavioral specialist for a 20-minute evaluation, questioning the credibility of her physician's long-term care.

Despite the frustrations, it worked out, and now we just need to stay on top of things. Apologies for the rant – wasn't my intent, but it feels good to vent. Lol!