Applying for Social Security Disability

Is there a thread or board for discussing how to apply for Social Security Disability?

The application online doesn't allow for a UK address. Also, I'd like tips on how to do it and if it's worth it to use one of the services that help you apply and take a percentage of your award if you get the disability.

I'm very worried that I've waited to late with this. I didn't realize that you had to have worked five of the last 10 years to apply. I've worked 6 of the last 10 years as of now, so I'm running out of time.

I was in a very bad way and about to need to stop working when we moved here, and I kept hoping I'd get better. Then when I realized I wouldn't, I kept thinking I'll wait until we're back in the States. But it looks like that won't happen, at least not anytime soon. I'm really hoping I haven't wasted my chance to get SSD, as I've worked very hard all my life until my physical problems tore my life apart.

according to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/index.html

try contacting the SSA office for the UK at:
United Kingdom
Federal Benefits Unit
American Embassy
Box 0005
W1A 2LQ London
England
Phone: 44-20-7499-9000 (09:30 - 13:30)
Fax: 44-20-7495-7200
Email: FBU.London@ssa.gov

according to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/index.html

try contacting the SSA office for the UK at:
United Kingdom
Federal Benefits Unit
American Embassy
Box 0005
W1A 2LQ London
England
Phone: 44-20-7499-9000 (09:30 - 13:30)
Fax: 44-20-7495-7200
Email: FBU.London@ssa.gov

Thanks, I had already emailed them and got an out of office reply (hopefully will hear back in a few days); I am hoping to find others who have been through the application process to give me tips as if my first application is rejected, I don't know if I will have time to apply again and be within the time limits for making application. I just want to do everything as right as possible from the start.

I used to work as a disability examiner in 96-97.  Unless things have changed you need to meet or exceed certain medical criteria and it needs to last a year or more. Age and type of work can also factor in.

Personally I wouldn't bother using a service.  Unless they have changed it was pretty straightforward.