Episode 3

Chaos and The Disability System

Published on: 17th October, 2022

Calming the Chaos of the Disability System – Interview with Spencer Bishins

Do you have a disability and want to know more about how the disability system in the United States works? If so, you’ll want to listen to this interview with Spencer Bishins, who has worked with Social Security Administration (SSA) for more than 10 years.

Spencer has worked at the SSA Appeals Council and has reviewed thousands of disability decisions for compliance with the SSA’s complex rules and procedures. He has also worked at the hearing level where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges.

Spencer has a Masters Degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. He wrote his first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it’s so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it. His wish is to help people demystify the complicated disability system in the United States. Spencer joins Calming the Chaos podcast to share important information with our listeners about himself, accessing SSA disability benefits, and to talk about his book.

• Intro – Tell us about yourself and how you got started doing the work you do

• Let’s talk about the chaos people experience when they are applying for Disability benefits from the SSA


• Talking Points


• How do you know what evidence of disability you need? What do you need to prove?

• How do you find a representative to help you?

• What if your claim can't result in a fee for the representative, will they refuse to take your case?

• Why are so many people denied when they first apply?

• What happens at a hearing? Why are there people talking about you who have never met you? How do they know if you can work?

• If you are denied, how do you appeal?

• Wait a second, if you are approved, can that be taken away even if you never appealed?


• Tour of Spencer’s website


• Spencer’s Book: “Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it’s so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it.”


Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Social-Security.../dp/B0B5PQ6ZYD


Social Media Links:

Website: www.bishinspublishing.com

Facebook @bishinspublishing

Instagram @bishinspublishing

Twitter @bishinspub


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About the Podcast

Calming the Chaos
Helping You Find Peace in a Chaotic World!
Calming the Chaos is a podcast by Licensed Mental Health Counselor Tracy Kenela, who interviews a variety of professionals around the world in an effort to find different ways to help people (and herself!) find peace in a chaotic world. Each episode contains Information, tips, tools, and resources that come from different schools of thought, and are presented as a fun and entertaining way to help you move toward a more peaceful and enjoyable life.

About your host

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Tracy Kenela

Tracy Kenela is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist in Olympia, Washington. As the Host of "Calming the Chaos" Podcast, Tracy has made it her mission to help people (and herself!) find peace in a Chaotic world! Her podcast interviews, YouTube Channel and short videos are an entertaining way to find self help for all things that cause you chaos!