Q: When can I file for social security disability benefits?
A: You can apply for social security disability benefits when you can no longer work, due to your condition. To qualify, the condition must be expected to prevent you from working for at least a year. You should apply for social security disability as soon as possible, since it can take quite some time for the Social Security Administration to review your claim. You can apply for back payments for benefits, if you are approved for social security disability benefits. Regardless of how quickly your application is processed, you will not be able to receive benefits until 6 months after your date of onset. You cannot receive back payments for that waiting period.
Q: How do I apply for social security disability insurance?
A: To submit a claim for social security disability, first contact your local Social Security office or apply online via the main Social Security web site. An interview with your claims representative will be scheduled. That initial appointment can usually be conducted by phone or in person, dependent upon what is easiest for you. Your claims representative will be your point of contact through the application process and will assure that you fill out the appropriate paperwork. If you are unsure if you qualify for SSDI (social security disability insurance) or SSI (supplemental security income), your claims rep can help you. He or she will also walk you through any application for back payments of social security disability benefits.
Q: Is there anything I can do to increase the likelihood that my social security disability claim will be approved?
A: Many claims for social security disability are denied during the initial review process. You can, however, improve the likelihood that your application is approved. The most important thing to do is assure that you have submitted your paperwork correctly. By staying in touch with your claims representative, you can easily know if anything required is missing. Having a supportive doctor who is willing to be your advocate can also help bolster your social security disability case. A detailed letter about your condition written by your treating physician is an asset to your file. The third thing you can do is to make sure your most recent medical records have been submitted for your claim. The main reason most social security disability applications are postponed is because of a wait on medical records. Lastly, be cooperative, meet deadlines and check in on your file. Finally, make sure you do not miss deadlines for paperwork, keep in touch with your claim representative to know where your file is in the process and always be courteous (no matter how frustrated you may get at times.)
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November 13th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Be courteous and alert. Do not make anything up about your condition; honesty is always the best policy. Having your case heard before a judge allows you a final opportunity to be considered for social security benefits, so this opportunity should not be taken lightly.
Q: If you recently applied for social security benefits, how should you handle money owed to lenders?
A: It will be worth your time to contact any lenders or other businesses with whom you have debt when you know you plan to submit an application for social security benefits. Many institutions will suspend actions against you until you receive notification regarding your claim.
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December 28th, 2009 at 6:36 am
To be eligible for SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, an applicant must have been in the workforce long enough to have accrued enough work credits for benefits. Individuals who fall below certain income and resource limits can qualify for SSI or Supplemental Security Income benefits. An individual does not need to have worked enough to have accumulated work credits to be awarded SSI.
Q: How long does a claim take?
A: For applications that are complete and filed appropriately, the usual turnaround time for the initial review process is 3 or 4 months. Lack of medical information is the biggest reason many applications take more time than the average.
December 31st, 2009 at 6:46 am
If a hearing was missed for a legitimate reason, you should be able to reschedule. Emergency and unexpected circumstances are the only reasons that will be accepted. For example, you had a medical issue, were ill, had a family emergency or were unable to physically get to the location of the hearing. Some people are not even aware that a hearing had been scheduled. Make sure that all representatives handling your case have your address and phone number during all reviewing processes.
January 15th, 2010 at 7:42 am
You are required to submit your appeal for reconsideration or hearing request no later than 60 days after you received notification that your case was not approved. That does not mean you have to mail it by that date. You need to make sure that Social Security has received your paperwork and appeal within that deadline. You are given a grace period to account for the time it takes to send something in the mail. But you do not want to take a gamble with your claim.