There is plenty of advice and information about Social Security Disability online. The sheer number of resources and websites can be mind-boggling. If you are applying for Social Security (SSI or Disability Insurance), and just want the facts, plain and simple, this article is for you. Here we will discuss the application process, the appeal, the hearing, and what will happen if you are approved.
The first step to receiving disability benefits is to apply. First, decide if you will apply online, over the phone, in person at the Social Security Administration, or if you will have your disability attorney assist you. Next, you need to find out which type of Social Security you qualify for. Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is intended to supplement the income of a disabled person who does not make enough money to get by. Eligibility will be determined by assets (bank accounts, vehicles, land or real estate ownership) as well as household income. If a spouse is working but makes less than the income allowance, you may still qualify for SSI.
Disability Insurance is based upon an applicant's disabled state or medical condition. Many people qualify for both SSI and Disability Insurance. If you are unsure how to proceed with this portion of the application, check with Social Security or apply for both anyway. They will notify you if you do not qualify for one or the other.
When your application is complete, double-check to make sure all required signatures are present and all information is filled out. A common mistake is to provide bits of information here and there, thinking that Social Security can find out the rest for you. This results in your disability application taking longer to process. Make copies of everything you provide, as you may need it later.
Once your disability/SSI application is turned in, you begin the waiting period. At this point, the only thing you can do is provide any requested information, attend doctors' visits frequently to gather additional medical evidence, and try to get by financially while you wait. Plan for several months of waiting at the very least, and years at the most.
If you receive a denial, APPEAL. It is very common to be denied at first. Appeal and begin the wait again. Continue to see your doctor and any specialists that may help your claim. If you are denied again, APPEAL again. Do it quickly, and do not wait for your application to expire! If you do, you will have to start the process all over again.
If your claim goes to a hearing, consider hiring a disability attorney. They are generally known for increasing your chances of being approved, and often more quickly. If you decide to represent yourself, make sure all your medical records have been submitted to Social Security and the Hearing Office, and familiarize yourself with the records and with Social Security's "listings," or requirements, which can be found on Social Security's website.
If you are denied, you do have more opportunities for appeal. However, if allowed, you may want to reapply at this point as well as appeal. Starting a new application may actually get through the process faster than appealing a hearing decision.
If you are approved, congratulations! Social Security will send a Notice of Award and you will hopefully receive your first check within a few months. Remember that the amounts quoted on your Notice of Award may be different if you are approved for both SSI and Disability due to offset. And also, do not exceed the allowed income limits once you have been approved, or your benefits will stop and you may have to pay Social Security back.
Wherever you are in the disability process, best of luck!
Becca has been involved in the Social Security world since 1995 and enjoys watching the program change peoples' lives.
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