What You Should Know When Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits

There is a certain stigma against the disabled in this country that leaves people feeling like second-class citizens if they need a little help paying their living expenses due to an injury or illness. While it may not be preferable for you to go on the public dole, you'll be happy to know that it is possible for a person to collect social security disability benefits and still work part-time at a job. As long as you make less than $980/month at your job, you can collect SSDI benefits from the Social Security Administration as well.

The first step to applying for social security disability benefits is to visit your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit SSA to fill out a social security disability application and adult work history form. Once you file your initial disability insurance claim, you'll need to wait 90 to 120 days for a decision. Since there are millions of applications submitted each year and no mandated deadlines, you could feasibly wait even longer. Your claim will be reviewed to see if you fit all the qualifications. Generally speaking, for SSDI benefits, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years, you must fit their classification of "disabled" and you must not make more than $980/month (as of May 2009).

The next stage of applying for social security disability benefits occurs if your application is rejected. Approximately 64% of all applicants are initially denied assistance, so you shouldn't take it to heart and give up. By law, you are entitled to file a social security disability appeal and request reconsideration. During the reconsideration, an administrator will look over your files again.

Sometimes circumstances change and another 14% of claimants get approved this way. If you are still denied, then you can file a second appeal that is called a "request for hearing," which will have you meet with an administrative law judge within 50 miles of your home. Over 60% of the people who appear at a hearing get approved, so it often pays to persevere, and get a lawyer!

When filing for disability, you should plan on making several appeals before your case is won and your social security disability benefits are awarded. This means that it could take more than a year to finish the process. In the meantime, you will need to be conscientious about not incurring new debts and in restructuring existing debts. You may also need to apply for other aid programs like food stamps, HEAP or prescription drug assistance programs as you wait.

369 Niches Rolled Up Into 1 Product

Turn any hobby into a business. Discover

24 totally unique business models.

[http://businessmodels.netbizint.com.au/index.php]