Social Security disability benefits are essential economic assistance for individuals who cannot work because of disability. The application process may be confusing, but if you possess accurate information and preparation, you can apply and succeed. In this article, the major steps and requirements in applying for Social Security disability benefits are discussed.
Understanding disability benefit programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two principal disability programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and possess a lengthy work history. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an income-based program for the blind, disabled, or elderly with minimal income and resources. Both programs need your disability to drastically impact your ability to earn money and work.
Eligibility requirements
For SSDI, you qualify based on employment credits you’ve accumulated through employment and payment of Social Security taxes. The number of credits you require depends upon your age if disabled. You also need to fulfill the SSA definition of disability – an impairment predicted to last more than a year or lead to death, which bars substantial gainful activity.
Eligibility for SSI is not based on work history but involves meeting rigorous income and resource requirements along with having a qualifying disability as measured by SSA criteria.
When and how to apply
You must apply the moment you become disabled. For SSDI, realize that there is a waiting period of five months, so benefits start the sixth month that you become disabled. But if your disability is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), no waiting period is required if approved on or after July 23, 2020.
You can apply in three ways:
- Online at the SSA website
- By telephone at 1-800-772-1213
- In person at your local SSA office
The application is on www.ssa.gov/disability where you’ll choose “Learn how to apply” and then “Start application.” Having or establishing a personal my Social Security account will make it easier.
Documentation needed
Get these required documents prior to application:
- Birth certificate or birth record
- Social Security number
- Marriage details if applicable
- Military discharge documents (if discharged prior to 1968)
- Last year’s tax returns or W-2 forms
- Work history information
Medical history and treatments information
Have details about:
- Your medical conditions, dates of treatment, and patient ID numbers
- Your names and contact details of your medical providers
- Medical tests you have undergone
- Current medications and doctors who prescribe them
- Your work history for the last 5 years
The application process
The process is multi-step:
- Collect all the information using the Adult Disability Checklist
- Fill and submit your application
- The Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) handles your case on behalf of SSA
- You are informed of the determination
Be ready to fill out more forms in the process, such as:
- Function report explaining how your disability restricts activity
- Work history report explaining previous employment
- Work activity report containing information on work earnings
- Third-party function report from a person who knows your disability
After you apply
After you submit your application, it is considered. If you are rejected, you can appeal within 60 days. Centers consider whether or not your disease makes you unable to work. Over 50 years old, you must prove that you are no longer capable of doing your previous job; under 50 years old, you must prove your disability will make you incapable of doing any type of work.
Tips for success
When you finish it, tell how your impairment works against you in the workplace, not in daily living. Only list conditions that disqualify you from working, are doctor-diagnosed, and reflected on your medical records. If you are not employing an attorney, you may wish to go to your local SSA office as workers can provide assistance on the form.
Remember that submitting early and with full documentation is your guarantee of approval and minimized delays in benefit payment.
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