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how can i qualify for disability benefits

by Dr. Pearl Goyette Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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There are two main ways to qualify for disability benefits:

  • You can work with a doctor to prove that your condition meets the requirements of the Social Security Administration...
  • You can show that you cannot do any type of work because of your condition. This process is called a “vocational...

Full Answer

What are the top 10 conditions that qualify for disability?

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Other inborn errors of metabolism not specified elsewhere that are treated by medically prescribed diet to prevent neurological disability and/or severe organ damage. ...
  • Cystic Fibrosis.

More items...

What conditions automatically qualify you for Social Security disability?

  • Schizophrenia
  • PTSD for veterans and others experiencing trauma
  • Autism and Aspergers in some cases
  • Severe diagnosed depression
  • Diagnosed mood disorders

What you should know before you apply for Social Security disability benefits?

Here are three of the key factors we use to determine if you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits:

  • You must have a lasting medical condition so severe that it prevents you from doing the work that you did in the past or adjusting to other types of work;
  • Your physical or mental impairment (s) must have lasted or be expected to last at least a year or result in death; and
  • You must have worked long enough — and recently enough — in jobs covered by Social Security.

How do I know if I am eligible for disability benefits?

One can determine whether or not they're eligible for Social Security disability benefits if they think that they might meet a medical listing. There are also 100 compassionate allowance listings that are listed by statute, and if you fall under one of those maladies, then you can be easily accepted.

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What conditions are considered a disability?

The legal definition of “disability” states that a person can be considered disabled if they are unable to perform any substantial gainful activity due to a medical or physical impairment or impairments which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of ...

What makes someone eligible for Social Security disability?

To receive disability benefits, a person must meet the definition of disability under the Social Security Act (Act). A person is disabled under the Act if they can't work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or result in death.

What is the most approved disability?

1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.

What should you not say in a disability interview?

Making Statements That Can Hurt Your Claim – Unless you are specifically asked pertinent questions, do not talk about alcohol or drug use, criminal history, family members getting disability or unemployment, or similar topics. However, if you are asked directly about any of those topics, answer them truthfully.

What is the monthly amount for Social Security disability?

SSDI payments range on average between $800 and $1,800 per month. The maximum benefit you could receive in 2020 is $3,011 per month. The SSA has an online benefits calculator that you can use to obtain an estimate of your monthly benefits.

What is the hardest state to get disability?

OklahomaOklahoma is the hardest state to get for Social Security disability. This state has an SSDI approval rate of only 33.4% in 2020 and also had the worst approval rate in 2019 with 34.6% of SSDI applications approved. Alaska had the second-worst approval rate, with 35.3% of applications approved in 2020 and 36.2% in 2019.

Is it hard to get on disability?

These benefits are awarded to qualified individuals who are no longer able to work due to a disabling mental or physical condition. But unfortunately, obtaining SSDI benefits is not easy. In fact, it's rather difficult. Approximately 70% of initial SSDI claims are denied every year.

Does everyone get turned down the first time for disability?

No, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not deny everyone the first time they apply. However, it does initially deny nearly two-thirds of all Social Security disability applications.

Who Can Apply For Adult Disability Benefits Online?

You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you: 1. Are age 18 or older; 2. Are not currently receiving benefits on your...

How Do I Apply For Benefits?

Here is what you need to do to apply for benefits online: 1. Print and review the Adult Disability Checklist It will help you gather the informatio...

What Information Do I Need to Apply For Benefits?

We suggest that you have the following information at hand. It will make completing the application much easier.

Information About Your Work

1. The amount of money earned last year and this year 2. The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year 3. A copy of your Soc...

What Documents Do I Need to provide?

We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as: 1. Birth certificate or other proof of birth; 2. Proof of U.S. citizens...

What Are The Advantages of Applying Using Our Online Disability Application Process?

Our online disability application process offers several advantages. You can: 1. Start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait...

What Happens After I Apply?

After we receive your online application, we will: 1. Provide confirmation of your application- either electronically or by mail. 2. Review the app...

What Other Ways Can I Apply?

You can also apply: 1. By phone - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you ca...

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

If you can't work because you are sick or injured, disability insurance will pay part of your income. You may be able to get insurance through your...

Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities

If you have a disability, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income may help financially. To find out if you’re eligibl...

Health Insurance and Health Resources for People with Disabilities

Find information about health insurance and resources for people with disabilities.Health Coverage for People With DisabilitiesIf you have a disabi...

VA Disability Compensation Benefits

Veterans who have a service-related injury or illness may be entitled to VA disability compensation. It’s a tax-free monthly benefit.Visit VA.gov t...

How do I apply for SSI?

How to Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Adults can apply for SSI by phone, in person at a local Social Security office, or in some cases online. To apply for SSI for a child, you can start the process online but will need to complete it either in person or by phone.

How long does it take to get SSDI?

You can apply for SSDI benefits online, by phone, or in person . If your application is approved, you’ll have a five-month waiting period for benefits to start. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

What is SSDI for spouse?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Social Security Disability Insurance ( SSDI) is for people who have become disabled after earning enough Social Security work credits within a certain time. Your spouse or former spouse and your children may be eligible for benefits when you start getting SSDI. You can apply for SSDI benefits online, by ...

What age does Medicare cover?

Medicare provides medical health insurance to people under 65 with certain disabilities and any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). Learn about eligibility, how to apply and coverage. Affordable Care Act Marketplace offers options to people who have a disability, ...

How long does a disability policy last?

Types of Disability Policies. There are two types of disability policies. Short-term policies may pay for up to two years. Most last for a few months to a year. Long-term policies may pay benefits for a few years or until the disability ends. Employers who offer coverage may provide short-term coverage, long-term coverage, or both.

How long does disability last on Social Security?

To qualify for either program, you must meet SSA’s definition of disability : You’re unable to do substantial gainful activity (work) Your disability is expected to last for at least one year or result in death. Your impairment is on Social Security’s list of disabling medical conditions.

Is SSI a Social Security benefit?

SSI is not Social Security. Although the names sound similar and the Social Security Administration runs the program, it does not fund SSI.

How do I apply for disability benefits?

You can apply for Disability benefits online, or if you are unable to complete the application online, you can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

How long does it take to get SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have a five month waiting period, which means that benefit payments will not begin before the sixth full month of disability. The SSDI waiting period begins the first full month after the date we decide your disability began.

When will I get my ALS disability?

There is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020. We pay Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits for the first full month after the date you filed your claim, or, if later, the date you become eligible for SSI.

How old do you have to be to apply for disability?

You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you: Are age 18 or older; Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record; Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death: and. Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days.

What to do if you don't live in the US?

or one of its territories, you can also contact your nearest Federal Benefits Unit that provides service to your country of residence. Apply for Disability Return to a Saved Application Check Application Status.

What is a copy of Social Security?

A copy of your Social Security Statement. The beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service you had before 1968. A list of the jobs (up to 5) that you had in the 15 years before you became unable to work and the dates you worked at those jobs.

How much can I work to get disability?

The rule is that a disability claimant must be unable to perform what Social Security calls "substantial gainful activity" (SGA). If you're doing a substantial amount of work, such as working 10-20 hours a week or making more than $1,000-$1,200 a month, you will likely have a hard time convincing a Social Security judge or claims examiner that you can't get a job and keep it. For more information, read about substantial gainful activity. This same rule applies for SSI eligibility and for SSDI eligibility.

How long do you have to work to qualify for disability?

Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability benefits are reserved for people who have severe medical conditions that make it impossible for them to work for at least 12 months. To be eligible for disability, you either have to have not done a significant amount of work for a year OR you must be expected to not be able ...

What happens if your doctor doesn't think your impairment limits you from doing full time work?

If your doctor doesn't think your impairment limits you from doing full-time work—or worse, if there's an indication in your medical records that your doctor thinks you're exaggerating your symptoms—your claim could fail.

What does Social Security look for in daily living?

Social Security looks at how your work activities and your daily living activities are limited to judge how severely a medical impairment affects your life and whether you can work. For more information, read about the importance of daily activities and Social Security's daily activity questionnaire.

What does Social Security look for in a person who can't do previous work?

Social Security will look to see if your condition prevents you from doing your previous work. If you can't do your previous work, they will look to see if there is other work you can do.

How far back can you look at your Social Security?

Social Security will look back ten years from the application date; if the last quarter you worked was five and a half years before your application date, for instance, you won't qualify for disability. For more information, read about required work credits for SSDI.

Does Social Security pay for consultative exam?

Social Security also won't know whether your condition could quickly improve with medical treatment; for example, if you tried a new medication. If you can't afford medical care, Social Security might pay for a consultative exam. For more information, read about applying for disability without seeing a doctor.

When will I get my first SSDI?

Your first benefit would be paid for the month of December 2020, the sixth full month of disability. However, there is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020.

How long do you have to wait to receive your first SSDI payment?

Generally, if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefit payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began.

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment. For more information on the enrollment periods for Part D, we recommend you read Medicare's How to get prescription drug coverage page.

When will SSDI pay in 2020?

We would pay your first benefit for the month of December 2020, the first full month of disability. We pay SSDI benefits in the month following the month for which they are due. This means that the benefit due for December 2020 would be paid to you in January 2021, and so on.

How to contact Medicare for a TTY?

If you have questions about this coverage, you can contact Medicare toll-free at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak to a Medicare Customer Service Representative. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

What are the other benefits that affect Social Security?

Other Payments May Affect Your Disability Benefits. If you receive certain other government benefits, such as workers' compensation, public disability benefits, or pensions based on work not covered by Social Security (e.g., some government or foreign employment), the Social Security benefits payable to you and your family may be reduced.

What is Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage Plan (previously known as Part C) – people with Medicare Parts A and Part B can choose to receive all of their health care services through plans that are offered by private companies and approved by Medicare.

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