The Disability Application Process.
- You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the Adult Disability Checklist. It will help you gather ...
- You complete and submit your application.
- We review your application to make sure you meet some basic requirements for disability benefits.
- We check whether you worked enough years to qualify.
- We evaluate any current work activities.
- We process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
- This State agency makes the disability determination decision.
Full Answer
How to qualify a disability for SSDI?
- Your Social Security number
- Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers
- Laboratory and test results
- Names, addresses, phone and fax numbers of your doctors, clinics and hospitals
- Names of all medications you are taking
- Names of your employers and job duties for the last 15 years
How to determine whether you qualify for SSI or SSDI?
We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true:
- You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
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.
Can you use a representative when filing for SS disability?
While anyone who meets these qualifications can technically be an applicant’s representative, it is recommended that an applicant uses an SS disability attorney who has experience with Social Security Disability Insurance claims. The attorneys at Bemis, Roach and Reed have a record of success with Social Security claims.
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 is the best way to get approved for Social Security disability?
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. Our representatives can make an appointment for you to apply.
What is the first step in applying for Social Security disability?
Step 1 — Go to www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability and select “Apply for Disability.” Step 2 — Fill out the Disability Benefit Application. Step 3 — Answer the disability questions. Step 4 — Mail or take the documents we ask for to your Social Security office.
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 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 tell a disability doctor?
For example, if you are being examined for a medical condition, you should not tell a doctor you have pain everywhere, or your level of pain is 10 out of 10 for everything if your daily activities are not consistent with this level of pain.
What is the average time to get approved for disability?
about 3 to 5 monthsGenerally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.
How many months in advance should you apply for Social Security benefits?
four monthsYou can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December, and apply in August. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.
How long does it take for a Social Security application to be approved?
approximately six weeksThe Social Security approval process is relatively speedy, but as it is a government program with a huge number of applicants, you can expect to wait approximately six weeks before you get your approval for benefits. Bear in mind that this timetable only applies if everything runs smoothly.
How do you determine how much disability you will receive?
Calculating Benefit Payment Amounts. Your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) depends on your annual income. It is estimated as 60 to 70 percent of the wages you earned 5 to 18 months before your claim start date and up to the maximum WBA. Note: Your claim start date is the date your disability begins.
Does disability pay more than Social Security?
In general, SSDI pays more than SSI. Based on data from 2020: The average SSDI payment is $1,258 per month. The average SSI payment is $575 per month.
At what age does disability become Social Security?
At full retirement age — which is 66 and 4 months for those born in 1956 and is gradually rising to 67 over the next several years — your SSDI payment converts to a retirement benefit.
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...
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 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.
Ways to Apply
You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.
Retirement or Spouse's Benefits
You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.
Disability Benefits
You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.
Appeal a Disability Decision
If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.
Medicare Benefits
You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:
How You Apply
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. If you are ready to apply now, you can:
More Help For Filing Your Claim
Our Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Starter kits are available in English or Spanish for adults and children under age 18.
If Your Application Is Denied
After we review your application and the information you provided, we may decide you do not meet the qualifications for disability benefits.
What is the work incentive for Social Security?
There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, ...
Does Social Security pay for partial disability?
Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true: You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.
What is the largest federal program for people with disabilities?
Benefits for People with Disabilities. The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration ...
What is SSI for kids?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children. SSI provides monthly cash payments to help meet the basic needs of children who have a physical or mental disability or who are blind. If you care for a child or teenager with a disability, and have limited income and savings or other resources, your child may be eligible for SSI.
How long does a disability last?
The condition (s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death. A state agency makes the disability decision. They review the information you give us. They will also ask for information from medical and school sources and other people familiar with the child’s condition (s).
Can a child get SSI at 18?
Children under age 18 can get SSI if they meet Social Security's definition of disability for children and there are limited income and resources in the household . Social Security defines a disability as: The child must have a physical or mental condition (s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and.
