Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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 I used Mike Davis' book and did not find it out of date at all.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.

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.

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.

Mr. Davis's book - How to Get SSI & Social Security Disability - gives readers the focus and perspective of an experienced disability examiner, and therefore has great value to people who file Social Security disability claims. Claimants must gather copious amounts of evidence and deal effectively with disability examiners and doctors to win their cases. Mr. Davis helps them do this. The book's print is large and clear. The style is appealing. Though published in 2000, the book is far from out of date. It has the merit which is lacking in Social Security literature - Mr. Davis clearly and simply depicts how to prove your case. I recommend it highly.

This book has been invaluable to me. Michael Davis describes the application process from the perspective of a professional who, for 7 years, made social security disability claims decisions. He emphasizes the importance of completeness and accuracy, and "spoon feeds" you with what the claims examiner is looking for and how you can help him/her obtain all the details necessary to make an informed decision.

The social security disability application process can seem daunting, but Mr. Davis breaks it down into simple terms.

I highly recommend this book.

This is the book I wish I'd had when my son became disabled and had applied for disability. We were over-whelmed and confused with the whole experience. If we had known about this guide we would have saved a lot of time and frustration. This truly is what the author calls it, "a simple, step by step guide." I recommend it not just for people who are applying for disability, but for anyone who is helping a friend or family member apply. It's short, sweet, to the point, and an invaluable guide from someone on the inside. You really feel like he's on your side and wants to help you. His email address is also on the back of the book.

If you insist you're going to try this on your own, GET THIS BOOK first, it'll help you save hours of time, and many questions.

I helped a friend apply (so he didn't have to give a CUT to his attorney) by himself, and he was approved in two months time, the FIRST application.

Also, be FOREWARNED that you will get back-pay to the date of whenever the disability started or up to 12 months prior to when you APPLY, the first time. So if you apply in June of '07, you're only getting paid from June of '06. In other words, the longer you putz around, and delay getting started, you are losing money that you can never get back!!

So grab this book, and start before the end of the MONTH!

This book is a must for anyone applying for Social Security Disabilty. The price is right and he goes through step by step instructions for filling out the forms. He also has suggestions on how to improve your chances of getting the benefits. He tells us how to follow-up without being a pest. Remember, he worked for the S.S. office and really has inside information. It is a must buy!

I don't know what book the guy below was reading, but this book answered all the questions I needed to get my SSI on the first time around, and I plan on using it the next time my case comes up for review. "Out of Date?" I'd say "Right On!!

This book really helped me to get ssi. His email address is in the back of his book and he actually answered me in one day when I asked a question. I was doing the wrong things and sending stuff in that didn't help me. The book explains what you need to do and not a lot of theory-it's a real how to. Thumbs up!!