How do you apply for Social Security Disability benefits?

Question

I think I may qualify. What do I do?

Answer 1

Apply at www.socialsecurity.gov; or
Call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to make an appointment to file a disability claim at your local Social Security office or to set up an appointment for someone to take your claim over the telephone. The disability claims interview lasts about one hour. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days. If you schedule an appointment, a Disability Starter Kit will be mailed to you. The Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability claims interview. If you apply online, the Disability Starter Kit is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Applying is fairly simple. You simply contact the social security administration online, over the phone, or by visiting your nearest social security office as a walk-in.

Of those choices, I would advise that you call your local field office instead of doing the walk-in thing simply because social security offices are very often packed and the wait to be seen as a walk-in is not generally pleasant. I would also not advise that you file online for several reasons. One reason is this: if your disability application is for SSI then you won't get the benefit of protective filing. However, even if your application is for SSD, you'll still probably have to speak with a field office CR (claims rep) to clarify some of the information you provided online. In other words, you're going to have to speak with a real person at some point, so you might as well start the process that way. Also, doing the application online doesn't allow you the opportunity to ask questions, which, in 99% of all cases, you will want to do.

This first url addresses the length of the disability process:

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/how-long-is-the-disability-process.html

And this second one describes what happens after you file:

http://disabilityblogger.blogspot.com/2006/04/what-happens-after-you-apply-for.html

Answer 4

What you must do is appeal. You need to appeal right away. You can call the SS office and demand a more thorough reason. You will need that for the lawyer. its strange how they admitted she was disabled and didn't give a clear reason why she will not get benefits. It could be since she was working for the gov, she either didn't pay enough or she has too much experience and will be able to find another job that she can do. Maybe she needs to apply for SSI instead of SSDI. SSI will give a little less than ssdi would and you will be on a strict money alloweb=nce. Not allowing over 2,000 a month. Make the best out if it. But dont get too pesky with the office.

Answer 5

1. Find an attorney. One that advertises frequently here in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth/ Metroplex: Ronald D. Honig (taken from pg. 190 of the AT&T Yellow Pages, January 2007 Edition: Social Security & SSI Disability Cases. Over 30 years experience. 12 years Social Security Staff Attorney. Free Intial Consultation. Retirement, widows and children's claims. 1.800.359.0019 or 214.368.0777 9400 N. Central Expressway # 905 Dallas, Texas 75231. Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization." 2. Let them tell you, based on your story of why you feel you need to apply for Sociaal Security Disability, what steps to take. 3. They will require several doctor examinations to back up your reason for need---be prepared. 4. The first time you apply for it YOU MAY BE turned down, though not necessarily. An honest attorney will tell you this, and it is spelled out in writing as you go through the process. Don't give up. It doesn't mean you don't qualify--it's just "one of those things." 5. At a certain point, determined by the Judge hearing the case, you will be heard in a closed-door, informal, hearing. 6. The decision, whether or not granted upon first hearing, has to go before a Social Security Appeals Council. It usually takes 30-90 days for their decision. If "the nod" is favorable from their end, you'll begin receiving your disability payments USUALLY within the next month. Some people are set up at the beginning of the month (on the 3rd of each month, while others have a check that comes every 3 rd Wednesday of each month). Social Security determines this. Tips: Make sure you get a good attorney--not all are what they seem. I had a STRONG case, and it took going through 3 attorneys because I just didn't have people that could "do it." It took 2 appeals for me, but I won and received some retroactive pay (not all people do). I had to shell out over $ 5,000, but it was worth it because I got what I deserved and was entitled to. If the attorney doesn't keep you abreast of what he / she is doing and can't establish the grounds for your appeal within the 1st two weeks of working on it (AND TELL YOU), you may need to withdraw his / her services. They MAY not represent you strongly enough. When you get the money, go ahead and set it up Direct Deposit, as opposed to sending it to your residence. It's more convenient. I'm not trying to scare you...I'm letting you know it's not a "piece of cake" without the right lawyer. If the one mentioned doesn't work for you due to distance, I would go ahead and call the 800 number. It would save an extra call to let them recommend a number / name that would satisfy your need. Good luck to you!

Answer 6

I was notified 2 weeks ago that I will start collecting SSD benefit checks in May---I have a terminal illness...the best advice was already given, but I would like to add a little something to it--- I found it easier and quicker to apply when I went personally to the SSD office armed with EVERYTHING my doctor had in my charts and folders... his office made copies of all letters written to my primary care physician, all test results, a letter stating the prognosis of my illness.. just everything that he had accumulated over the past couple of months. I was interviewed AT the office and handed them all my paperwork from the doctor, they copied the pages about 50 pages or so)and I was on my way. They do NOT notify you if you are accepted until between 4 and 5 months after your file your application. They do this because you MUST have your qualifying condition for 6 STRAIGHT MONTHS before you start receiving benefits. Also, if you are not old enough to be receiving medicare, you must wait 2 years after you are accepted to receive benefits to start receiving medicare... this information is taken directly from the Social Security Administration handbook of benefits that I received with my letter stating that I would be getting benefits.

Answer 7

kittnspurr2 has the right info. It is very difficult to get. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row, and follow up on your doctors to make sure the are sending your records to disability promptly. They will give you a time line, but add about 25% more time onto that till they get done. They are soooooo behind with lots of people applying. If their is any way you can work, even doing nothing and getting paid for it, they will deny you. If they do, file a re-concideration promptly. Then get a lawyer in case they deny you again.

Answer 8

Social Security Disability Benefits - http://DisabilityHelp.siopu.com/?kUz

Answer 9

Uh, um, uh, um, uh, um.
Go to the Social Security office, and apply?

Answer 10

HELLO,
KITTENSP HAS THE BEST ANSER.
IF YOU ARE APPROVED, IT MAY TAKE QUITE A WHILE TO ACTUALLY RECEIVE IT. DON'T BE DISMAYED. ANYTHING WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TAKES TIME.