How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance?
02/17/10
Q: When is a person eligible for social security disability?
A: As soon as your injury prevents you from working, you can file for social security disability insurance. 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: Where do I submit an application for social security disability benefits?
A: You can apply for social security disability benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling Social Security at 800.772.1213. You will then be scheduled for an appointment with a representative assigned to your case. 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. But there are many things you can do to increase the chances that your claim is awarded. The first task is to simply make sure you applied correctly and completely. By staying in touch with your claims representative, you can easily know if anything required is missing. The next step is to assure that your doctor is on your side and backs your decision to file for social security disability benefits. By providing a comprehensive statement regarding your condition, your doctor will give your claim a solid foundation. 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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