Hi Sherry,
When I did my inital interview, I did it on the phone. They pulled my record up, asked a few (very few) questions about my past work history, asked when was the last day I worked, confirmed my last place of employment, asked a few questions (again every few) about my medical condition, and that was it. then I got a packet in the mail to fill out, asking me to describe my medical conditions, what the effects were, list all my doctors, I think what my meds were, the contact info for someone who knew me before and after my illness started so they could describe the difference, and information about my financeal condition. (the reason for that is because there are two diffferent types of SS, regular SSDI is based on your personal work history, you financial condition has nothing to do with it. The second type is SSI, which is for many who do not have enough time or enough lifetime earnings to qualify for the regular. It is only available to people in need, your other income and resources may make you ineligible). I had to sign releases for them to get my records from my doctors. I mailed that off. I got a couple of letters from them after that, asking for more info or clarifing somethong, but that was it. My doctors made their reports, and I was notified I was approved. I didn't have an appointment, I never actually met with anyone, it was easy. I am on regular SSDI, it took me 6 months total. My daughter is on SSI, her's was approved in 3 months. I urge you to make sure your doctor(s) document your mental effects, such as depression, anxiety, brain fog, etc., as well as your physical. For some reason, they seem to approve more quickly on mental than physical. In my case, I have the regular fibro stuff, and also agoraphobia as well. My daughter had chronic pain issues, which has since been dx as fibro. Her doctor told her she would qualify more quickly with the mental issues, she had suffered a trauma, her psy. diagonsed post traumatic post symdrom. So make sure those issues are stressed in your reports. Good luck, I hope it goes as well, and as quickly, for you as it has for me. I know some people have had to go through years before they got it, I don't want you to become discouraged if you are not approved quickly, or are even turned down at first, I hear a lot, if not most, people
are turned down at least once, so above all, hang in, don't give up!!

Hi sherry, I have just been addressing this same subject on the discussion board. I have a few replies that may help you. Good luck, hon! Cheryl