How to Get SSI & Social Security Disability: An Insider's Step by Step Guide [Paperback]

Mike Davis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0595125743 | ISBN-13: 978-0595125746 | Publication Date: September 18, 2000 | Edition: 1

More people are denied SSI and Social Security Disability than are allowed benefits the first time they apply. This includes children and adults. Appeals can take a year or more. In a simplified step by step guide Mike Davis gives disability applicants the crucial information they need to know and exactly what to do to make the best case the first time around. A former SSI and Social Security Disability Claims Examiner, the author has worked on over 4000 cases over a seven-year period. "Too often I have had to deny a claim when I thought there was a genuine disability, but the case was not complete enough to render a favorable decision. What I have tried to do in this book is give the reader the information needed to present his or her case fully, accurately, and in the best possible light. I believe this will increase the chances of a favorable decision dramatically." Here is the inside scoop on what the decision-makers are really looking for and how you can help them to get it.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

WHY THIS BOOK WILL NEVER BE OUT OF DATE OR OBSOLETE This book does not focus on regulations, legislation, or whether or not a final decision is rendered with or without a medical doctor or psychologist, because IT DOES NOT MATTER TO YOU, the disability claimant. These things may change, but one thing that does not change is the requirements for full and complete evidence. It is not necessary that YOU, the claimant, know the body systems or listings of impairments or any other number of extraneous and complicated bits of law and medicine. What you do want and need is a short, step-by-step set of instructions that you can actually check off. These are provided for you in a few easy to understand pages that will give you ALL you need TO DO and TO KNOW to have the best chance of receiving a favorable decision. These requirements for evidence, from your doctor and others that are clearly and concisely indicated, do not change. There will be no need to revise and issue subsequent editions as long as the SSI and Social Security Disab!ility programs continue. Your best chance of being allowed benefits is to follow the directions provided. Your time is best spent getting what the Disability Examiner and Medical Consultant are looking for when making a decision, not studying body systems, law, or medical terminology. The title says it all, this is a short HOW TO book from an author who has made thousands of disability decisions. Every effort has been made to resist the temptation to include material that is professionally interesting to those in the disability field, but is of little value to the disability applicant and ends up driving up the length and cost of the book, and confuses rather than clarifies. Regulations, practices, political influences and legislation change, but the basic requirements for evidence do not. IF WHAT YOU WANT IS SIMPLE, SHORT DIRECTIONS, THAT GIVE YOU THE INSIDE TRACK ON HOW TO HAVE THE BEST CHANCE OF GETTING DISABILITY THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.

About the Author

Mike Davis lives in Northern California and works for the State of California's Department of Rehabilitation. He is a contributing editor to Pacific Fisherman Magazine. Prior to his work in disability he was a minister for 14 years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse; 1 edition (September 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595125743
• ISBN-13: 978-0595125746
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, August 22, 2005

By 

Natalie "Natalie" (Santa Cruz, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Get SSI & Social Security Disability: An Insider's Step by Step Guide (Paperback)

I applied for SSI and SSA Disability in 2005 and won my case on the first time around. I used Mike Davis' book and did not find it out of date at all. In fact, Mr. Davis says he doesn't deal with all the legal issues that change because they're not what a case hinges on. What counts is the medical evidence and forms. I found that what was in his book was exactly what I needed. And in fact, he answered my emails within a couple days about my questions. His email address is in the back of the book.

P.S. My uncle used the book this year too in New York and also won his case. We also liked Douglas Smith's book. It complimented Mr. Davis' perfectly. The book by Nolo appeared more suited to doctors and lawyers--technical.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author's perspective -- invaluable, July 28, 2003

By 

Diane (St. Paul, Minnesota United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Get SSI & Social Security Disability: An Insider's Step by Step Guide (Paperback)

From the perspective of a disability claims examiner, Mike Davis effectively articulates the importance of the completeness of the application and also the communication with doctors and the claims examiner. Volumes of documentation are critical, and Mr. Davis helps claimants through this process. Mr. Davis returned my emails promptly and provided a great deal of support. I would highly recommend this book to anyone filing for SSI or SS Disability Insurance.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of three best Social Security disability books, March 26, 2002

By 

Douglas M. Smith "doug the lawyer/author" (Severna Park, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Get SSI & Social Security Disability: An Insider's Step by Step Guide (Paperback)

As a lawyer I recommend three books to individuals who ask for help in getting their Social Security disability benefits. First is our Disability Workbook for Social Security Applicants. Everyone tells me that this book greatly simplifies getting disability benefits. I can testify that interviewing a client is much easier when he or she has used the Disability Workbook. Second, the book How to Get SSI and Social Security Disability, by Mike Davis, is insightful and easy to read. Mr. Davis is a former disability examiner. His clear explanations of common bureaucratic problems make his book one of my favorites. Finally, I use Dr. David Morton's Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability. Dr. Morton is a former disability determination services staff physician who describes Social Security medical decision making better than anyone else I know. Every doctor who communicates with Social Security about patients should have Dr, Morton's book on the shelf - and every disability lawyer. I give all three books the highest rating.