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How to apply for disability benefits.

Get details on who to apply for disability benefits, including with the Social Security Administration or your state. As there are government regulations to get SSI or SSDI benefits. The process to apply for disability assistance near you from the government can be long and complicated. Find how to apply for disability and the steps to take.

It is difficult to get government benefits. In fact, the majority of the applications submitted to the social security department for programs such as SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are denied by the Disability Determination Services department. While there are no guarantees, there are some steps to take that can both improve your chances for success and also accelerate the disability application process, whether online, in person or over the phone. Also find a toll free phone number below for applications and additional resources.

The most recent data from the federal government shows that there are over 10 million Americans receiving some form of compensation for a disability, such as cash payments from SSDI or SSI. While the benefits are not easy to obtain, learn more on how the process and programs work below.

Qualifications to get disability from the government

In order to qualify and be found eligible for SSI or SSDI, some or all of the following terms need to be met. Note the process is long and complicated.

  • The applicant can’t be able to work due to their disability.
  • Supporting documentation needs to be provided, as indicated below.
  • In order to collect SSDI, the person needs to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and be 65 years of age or younger.
  • The medical issue or disability needs to be expected to impact the applicant for at least 12 months if not longer.
  • SSI disability is a form of payment that is for low income households or those over the age of 65.
  • Of course a doctor or medical professional needs to provide solid evidence to support your filing.

 

 

 

How to apply for disability on your own or use a professional

When deciding to apply, an important decision to make is whether you want to apply on your own or use the service of a professional, whom are often called advocates. In some cases a lawyer or paralegal will be used by a company in order to help someone apply. Find a free disability lawyer near you.

The goods news most disability lawyers and advocates do not charge clients a fee unless the process is successful. So they work on a contingency basis, which greatly reduces the risks to the person seeking help. It in effect eliminates any application costs or expenses for the disabled individual. In many cases this type of contingency structure is often required per federal government regulations.

So be sure that the professional won’t charge you a fee for their assistance. Look for someone who will only take a portion of what they are able to earn the applicant. Professionals lawyers or advocates can offer various forms of assistance with the process, guide you through and show how to apply for SSI or SSDI. Read more on social security disability advocates.

If you do decide to apply on your own, then note the process is complicated, long, and can be drawn out. When completing the application, it is critical to properly reflect the severity of your disability. Medical records are key, as well as proof as to how and why it impacts your ability to work or hold a job.

You can complete a disability application online, over the phone (see the number below) or stop by your local social security office and make an appointment. Often times meeting someone face to face at a local office may be the most effective. However if you do decide to use the services of an advocate, be sure to get their input as well as they will often handle this step for you, on your behalf. No matter what is selected, an interview will be required.

If you are applying for SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance, the individual needs to be unable to work because of some form or either psychologically or physically restrictive disability. The other program available is SSI, which is financial aid for low-income qualified individuals who are at least age 65, maybe blind, and/or disabled. Both of these will offer cash assistance to the beneficiary to pay for bills or basic needs such as rent, food, and even clothing.

 

 

 

 

No matter which option you select, there are ways to get help with a disability filing. There are extensive government resources, non-profits, and even assistance provided directly by the Social Security Administration. All of these options may offer support. Find more information on getting assistance with disability applications.

Examples of information needed when filing for disability

The Disability Determination Service center in your state (part of the federal social security department process), that reviews the applications near you, will require the following information. Applicants will need at least the following, and maybe more. Advocates or lawyers near you can show you how to collect this documentation, or take the lead in your application. If there are questions on the application status, find a Disability Determination Services center near you.

  • Proof of age and social security number.
  • The dosage as well as names of the prescription medications they are taking, if applicable.
  • All contact information on their doctors, hospitals, community clinics, or caseworkers that treated the individual. All medical records, including lab and test results, are needed from these sources too.
  • Work history is needed when applying, including your latest tax information, W-2, and copies of federal and state tax returns.
  • Information on all family members, including spouses and others in the home.

It can take up to six months, or longer, to receive either an approval or denial notice from the Social Security Office (part of the Disability Determination Services process) after you file. A tip here is that using an advocate as mentioned above can accelerate the process. In short, using another party to help will ensure everything is completed properly, as that is usually a major hold up. In addition, a professional will often have the contact information and relationships with some of the key members of your local social security office. So they can help ensure forms are reviewed timely.

As noted, over 50% to 60% of applications are denied. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common ones include inadequate medical documentation, technicalities, not completing the application properly, lack of documentation, and not representing the disability properly.

Since so many people are denied, when applying for disability benefits, a professional advocate or legal professional can often show you how to complete the application and ensure all of your documentation is in order. So this is another benefit of using them. Also keep in mind that if your first application is approved, this will reduce the time required for someone to receive their first SSDI disability payment. So you will get your first government check much earlier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lets say you apply and are denied. First of all, you should be provided from the government the reason why it was rejected. There is an appeal process in place as well. It needs to be used timely though, as the timeframe involved will expire. In fact, because such a large percentage of denials occur on the first application, this appeal process is very often used. Remember that everyone has the right to request that their disability application be reviewed again by the social security administration. The process can help with the application, and read more on the disability appeal process.

Contact information for disability application offices

To apply for disability online in your state or over the phone, call or visit your local social security office near you or use the online tool. Or dial 1-800-772-1213 for more information or referrals. People should apply for disability as soon as possible. If they put this off, it could lower their chances for approval.

 

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By Jon McNamara

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