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how to get on disability benefits

by Raphaelle Kulas Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the Adult Disability Checklist. ...
  • 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.

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.

Full Answer

How long will it take to get disability benefits?

The first thing to realize about applying for Social Security disability benefits is that it is often a lengthy process, Geist said. Once an initial application is filed with the Social Security Administration, it can take three months to five months to get a decision.

How to know if you are eligible for disability benefits?

  • Were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or
  • Were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or
  • Served prior to September 7, 1980

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.

What is the easiest way to get disability?

Ways to apply for disability benefits: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. Contact your local Social Security office. If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772. Once your disability benefits start, we’ll mail you a welcome package with your Medicare card.

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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 ...

How do they determine what you get for disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine your payment based on your lifetime average earnings before you became disabled. Your benefit amount will be calculated using your covered earnings. These are your earnings at jobs where your employer took money out of your wages for Social Security or FICA.

What are typical disability benefits?

The average disabled-worker benefit is about $1,236 a month, and 90 percent of beneficiaries get less than $2,000 a month. Most beneficiaries — especially unmarried ones — rely on SSDI for most of their income. SSDI benefits replace about half of past earnings for a median beneficiary.

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.

Can you work while on disability?

Can You Work While on SSDI? Generally, SSDI recipients can't do what's considered "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits. In a nutshell, doing SGA means you're working and making more than $1,350 per month in 2022 (or $2,260 if you're blind).

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.

What is the highest monthly Social Security payment?

The most an individual who files a claim for Social Security retirement benefits in 2022 can receive per month is:$2,364 for someone who files at 62.$3,345 for someone who files at full retirement age (66 and 2 months for people born in 1955, 66 and 4 months for people born in 1956).More items...

How much disability would I get?

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.

How much can u make on disability?

How Much Money Can You Make on Social Security Disability? You can make up to $1,350 (or $2,260 if you are blind) in 2022 on Social Security Disability or your benefits will stop, which is known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

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.

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.

How do you survive while waiting for disability approval?

While you wait for disability benefits to be approved, consider seeking assistance through other local, state, and federal support programs. These may include: Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

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 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.

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 ...

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.

Does Social Security Disability help financially?

If you have a disability, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income may help financially. To find out if you’re eligible for either program, use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool. Open All +.

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 much disability does a disabled spouse get?

Each child and the spouse in the disabled worker's family receives up to 50% of the disabled worker's monthly disability amount. However, the total of the spouse's benefit and the children's benefit cannot be greater than the maximum family benefit, which is generally 150% of the disabled worker's monthly SSDI benefit.

Who can collect Social Security if a disabled person dies?

If an SSDI recipient dies, the children, spouses, ex-spouses, and even elderly parents who were dependent on the disability recipient can collect a Social Security benefit in some circumstances. For more information, see our topic page on Survivors Benefits.

How long can a disabled spouse receive auxiliary benefits?

A spouse or ex-spouse can get auxiliary benefits if he or she cares for children of the disabled worker, until the children turn 16. If a child of the disabled worker is disabled, the mother or father can receive benefits for as long as the disability continues (but if the disabled child is over age 22, the disability must have occurred ...

How long can a child receive SSDI?

In addition, adult children who became disabled prior to the age of twenty-two are eligible for SSDI payments as ...

How to apply for family dependent benefits?

Applying for Family Dependency Benefits. Call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at (800) 772-1213 to apply for the family SSDI benefits. The applicant must provide the SSA with their birth certificate, their marriage certificate if applying as a spouse, their Social Security number (and that of the disabled worker), ...

What is the SSA?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers disability benefits for those who are no longer able to work. Workers who have paid into the Social Security system are eligible for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), which also provides monthly benefits for the dependents in a disabled person's family.

When can a divorced spouse collect disability?

Similarly, if an ex-wife or husband was married for at least ten years to a disabled worker, the divorced spouse can get benefits starting at age 62 unless the ex-spouse remarries or can collect benefits on his or her own record. For more information, see our article on how a spouse can get disability benefits.

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.

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.

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.

How to apply for TDAP benefits?

To qualify, you must submit a complete medical report from a licensed physician to your Local Department of Social Services. You can apply for TDAP benefits in person, by mail or fax. Eligible TDAP applicants may receive cash short-term disability benefits for 12 months only in a 36-month period. If your disability should last more ...

How many hours can you work in Hawaii to qualify for disability?

Hawaiians working at least 20 hours for 14 out of the last 52 weeks may qualify for temporary disability benefits. In addition, applicants must be currently employed when filing a Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) claim in order to qualify.

How long does a short term disability last in California?

California’s SDI policy covers claimants for up to 52 weeks — the longest period for any state-managed short-term disability benefits program. Once approved, you may receive up to $1,300 in weekly cash payments, though other factors may change your approved amount. Learn more helpful information about how California’s SDI program works.

How long does it take to file a TBDL claim in New Jersey?

If you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury that isn’t work-related, you can file a TBDL claim. Be sure to file your claim within 30 days after your first missed day of work, though.

What is workers compensation?

Work-related injuries and occupational illnesses generally fall under the workers’ compensation umbrella. That’s because workers’ compensation claims typically pay short-term disability benefits to employees hurt or sick at work. Most state laws require that employers carry this insurance to cover any eligible employees.

Does temporary disability go through employer?

Important: Any short-term disability benefits you receive through your state’s temporary assistance program don’t go through your employer. Your employer’s insurance provider is responsible for paying any workers’ comp or short-term disability benefits once your claim is approved. If you believe your workers’ compensation claim was wrongly denied ...

Can I get disability if I have a job?

Yes — if your job’s benefits package includes that specific type of insurance coverage and you’re currently an eligible employee. However, some U.S. states also provide temporary or short-term disability benefits for permanent residents, provided you meet their program requirements. California, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, ...

Notices & Alerts

Understanding your disability benefits can be complicated, but you can work and still receive benefits. The MRC is part of the solution to this process and can help you reach your goal of financial independence.

What would you like to do?

How to file a claim for SSDI or SSI How can I get disability benefits?

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