Can't get through to SS agent about SSDI appeal deadline - help!

Take a deep breath - you still have options! The 60-day deadline can be extended for "good cause" which includes difficulty getting medical evidence. Call the main SSA number (1-800-772-1213) right at opening time (7am in your time zone) and press options for disability/appeals to avoid the general queue. If you've documented your call attempts, that's evidence you've been trying. Alternatively, you can submit what you have before the deadline with a letter explaining that additional evidence is forthcoming as soon as your doctor returns.

you should submit watever u have before deadline even if incomplete!!!! i missed my ssdi deadline by 3 days and had to start ALL OVER lost 4 months of backpay bcuz of it

I had this EXACT SAME PROBLEM last month trying to reach someone about my disability review! After wasting HOURS on hold and getting nowhere for two weeks, I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they basically hold your place in line and call you when an actual SSA agent is on the line. Worked perfectly for me and I got through in about 90 minutes instead of spending all day on hold. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. Totally worth it since I was about to miss a critical deadline too.

Submit your appeal with EVERYTHING you currently have plus a detailed letter explaining: 1) Your attempts to contact SSA (with dates/times), 2) That your doctor is unavailable until [specific date], 3) Request a "good cause extension" for submitting the remaining medical evidence, and 4) Specifically address the "functional capacity" issue mentioned in your denial. For the functional capacity issue - this is actually the heart of most SSDI denials. They're looking at whether your medical condition prevents you from doing ANY substantial work, not just your previous job. Without seeing your specific denial, it sounds like they're saying your medical evidence doesn't support your claimed limitations. You'll need very specific functional limitations documented by your doctor.

The functional capacity thing is tricky. My brother-in-law got denied twice because his doctor just wrote "patient cannot work" which SS doesn't accept. They need SPECIFICS like "cannot sit more than 20 minutes" or "cannot lift more than 5 pounds" or "requires unscheduled breaks every hour due to pain"

Also make sure you fax your appeal paperwork AND mail it certified with return receipt. My appeal was "lost" even though I had confirmation it was received. Having multiple proof methods saved me. And if you can somehow get an actual person on the phone, GET THEIR NAME and RECORD THE TIME/DATE of conversation in a notebook.

my cousin works for ssa and says friday afternoon is actually the best time to call not morning cuz everyone calls in the morning! also the wait time estimator is a lie it always says "more than 1 hour" even when its actually 30 min sometimes

Regarding your functional capacity assessment question: SSA uses something called the RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) form that rates your ability to perform work-related activities. For SSDI appeals, you should have your doctor complete an RFC form that specifically addresses your limitations. There are different forms depending on whether your condition is physical, mental, or both. You can find templates online, but the key is having your doctor document specific medical reasons WHY you cannot perform even sedentary work. Generic statements about being "disabled" or "unable to work" aren't enough - they need medical evidence that translates to specific work limitations.

has anyone here tried going to the congressperson office for help with SS? my neighbor did that when she couldnt get anwhere with her disability claim and suddenly everything got fixed in like 2 weeks

Update on your deadline question: Submitting a written request for extension BEFORE the deadline counts as meeting the requirement. Make sure you include your name, SSN, the date of the denial letter, and explain your good cause reason (documented phone attempts + doctor unavailability). Send it certified mail with return receipt. You should still try to submit your appeal form with whatever evidence you currently have, but the extension request protects your rights.