Social Security Disability Benefits - Eligibility Criteria

Social Security Disability Benefits are meant to help those who cannot fend for themselves. Some remain disabled throughout their lives forcing them to rely on external help permanently, but some more fortunate ones recover in the course of time and give up the free help.

An aspiring applicant should clearly understand what the rules say in evaluating disability. A visit to the doctor to get certified as an invalid person, either permanently or temporarily, sets the ball moving. The disability should hinder the applicant to take up any job and earn money. Disabilities can be of different and varied kinds. Not only physical weaknesses, but psychological disorders that hinder the earning capacity of a person make him eligible to apply for the grant.

The work or job history plays a big role in deciding his eligibility. In the United States, an applicant should have worked for at least five years of his last ten years of service, before he became incapacitated, in establishments which were paying social security taxes to the government. However, it is nowhere stipulated that those five years service should have been continuous.

The biggest requirement is a detailed medical report which should clearly state that the aspirant is having a physical or psychiatric complication which in turn prevents him or her from pursuing normal jobs and earn a living. If it is found that this weak state may not last for more than twelve months, the authorities will not consider the case on merit. For being eligible, the applicant should be found to be in an unfavorable physical or mental state of permanent nature or which may last for more than twelve months.

The job of finding out the medical status of the applicant is vested on the Disability Determination Services. Every state in the United States has such an agency. The disabled has to approach them to get oneself evaluated. The processing of an application usually takes more than three months. But the time taken and the cumbersome procedures are meant to cut out people seeking easy money by feigning disability. A responsible society need to have such strict rule interpretation and execution strategies. Otherwise it will be mayhem and free for all and resulting in the real weak getting ejected.

If you want to know more about Social Security Disability Benefits then feel free to visit http://www.disabilityappeal.com

Is It Easy To Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) would like claimants to believe that applying for and obtaining Social Security disability benefits is easy. If you have gone into a SSA office, most likely you have heard or seen one of the following:

1. The representative at the window counter say, "Applying for disability benefits is easy, you can do it online from the comfort of your home without any trouble."

2. Viewed the "Boldly Go" poster on the wall.

3. Viewed documents that say "Applying for benefits is easy."

In reality, obtaining Social Security disability benefits is a very difficult process. If it were so easy, then why are over 70% of those who apply for disability benefits denied? I would also like to know if it is so easy why on a daily basis people suffering from deadly conditions like cancer, AIDS, and severe heart problems are continuously rejected?

Social Security disability benefits are supposed to be the ultimate safety-net for people who have paid into the system and are no longer able to work due to a mental or physical condition. There are numerous disability attorneys whose sole practice is to help people get the benefits that they deserve and they often struggle throughout the process. The process is not easy!

Since the application process can be a challenge, it is important to do your part by making sure there are no unnecessary road blocks along the way. When SSA requests documents from you, make sure to fully complete the forms and send them in as quickly as possible. Keep copies of all of your correspondence. Every so often make sure to call the Administration and ask how your claim is doing and if there is anything you can do to help move the case along. This sometimes can insure that your case does not get lost among the thousands of other benefits claims. Above all, stay active throughout the process and notify SSA any time you have a change of address, phone number, or need to update your medical information.

Although applying for and obtaining Social Security disability benefits is going to be a challenge that does not mean that you will be unable to win your claim for benefits. If you stay on top of your case, you might be able to win right off of the application. If you are denied, there is an appeals process that you can go through to keep your case going and hopefully win at one of the later stages in the process. By being aware that the process is not easy, hopefully you will be prepared for any curve balls they throw your way.

Aaron Rifkind is a writer and lawyer for Social Security Defenders LLC, who enjoys offering informational resources to the public. For more information on Ticket to Work or any Social Security disability benefits questions, feel free to contact Social Security Defenders http://www.socialsecuritydefenders.com.

Social Security Disability Benefits - Avoid Mistakes During the Process

The biggest mistake made by most claimants to social security disability benefits is that they wait for a very long period before filling in the application form on the false hope that their physical situation may get better in the course of time or they will be able to find a job which can be performed irrespective of physical weaknesses. Considering the fact that the processing time of an application can be even a year or two depending on the merit of your case, the applicant may be forced to face a two pronged attack, one from lack of earning power and the other from the time lag till his grievance is addressed.

Applications are always evaluated on the parameters of physical and mental impairments of the aspirant. The adjudicators determine whether your adverse conditions hinder you from working to earn a living. Because of this, it is very important that details of mental and physical weaknesses are disclosed to the authorities.

It is always better to hire a lawyer to represent your case. In the case of disability related cases, legal representatives can be paid after you win a case as opposed to other cases where you need to pay a substantial amount at the time of hiring a lawyer. A lawyer can always present a case better than you.

It has been found that many people who are denied simply give up or worse, make fresh applications for a new case. As the people processing your case are the same, your fresh application may always be rejected. It is better to pursue the old case diligently and systematically as it has been observed that a number of denied applications are set right at the appellate stage.

Never ever assume that the authorities know everything about you on the basis of your application. Updated information should be provided from time to time during the course of scrutiny of your papers. Every medical and work detail should be listed properly and clearly.

Personal details like phone numbers and contact addresses are a must as sometimes an evaluator or examiner may be sent to your residential premises to evaluate the conditions at home. The social security disability benefits, once you are made a beneficiary, are credited into your bank account or the checks are sent to your residence.

As the authorities dealing in the field of granting disability benefits often pounce on any minor mistake you make, it is very important that you avoid mistakes to eschew any chances of your application getting rejected.

If you want to know more about Social Security Disability Benefits then feel free to visit http://www.disabilityappeal.com

Social Security Disability - Start to Finish

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.

Social Security Disability Benefits Are a Must for the Disabled

The ones who are fit and fine both in physical and mental terms need some schemes to avail the benefits. Think about those who are physically disabled. When the normal people are so fond of availing the benefits of so many schemes, the ones with physical disabilities also need the same with advanced features. Keeping this in mind the social security plans have been introduced. Whatever difficulties are faced by the physically disabled, these programs try to help them get rid of them completely.Only the appearance of the physically disabled individual is not enough to provide him the chance to apply for disability benefits, but there are several eligibility criteria that are required to be fulfilled.

Physical disability is not always a problem by birth. Sudden accidents also lead to such abnormalities in an individual. Those who are suffering from such problems are in a habit of doing so, but those who have been caught in such difficulties due to sudden accidents, it take a long time for them to get adjusted to such situations. The experts in the field, however, make sure that the disability benefits could conveniently be availed by the individuals who really need them, but only when they fulfill the eligibility criteria. In fact, with the technological advancement, it has been found that an individual can also use online mode to apply for disability benefits.

The disability programs are regulated by the Federal government and are facilitated by the Social Security Administration. Once the medical reports of an individual prove that a person is physically disabled, he is free to enjoy the benefits.The disability benefits are classified into two different categories:

Social Security Disability Insurance, which is advantageous to you as well as your family members. The only thing that you need to assure in this case is possession of an insurance policy. If you are insured, only then you have the right to avail the disability benefits offered under this category.

Supplemental security Income, which decides the type of benefit to be enjoyed by the disabled on the basis of his financial needs.

Thus, be sure of having all the credentials and documents that could prove you physically disabled in medical terms. This is because only then you will be considered eligible to apply for disability benefits. It is up to you, however, whether you choose online or offline mode of applying for the benefits.

Safina Jones is a legal advisor who has good information on disability benefits. To apply for social security disability benefits, please visit http://www.consumerlawfirmcenter.com/

Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance Fare Better With Representation

When stacked against the deluge of applications for Social Security Disability Insurance, applicants who sought representation prior to filing fared better than their counterparts who completed applications on their own. The reason is that representatives who specialize in preparing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications understand the terminology and know how to answer questions so that reviewers have a clear understanding of the applicant's condition.

With more than 1.3 million people waiting for approval, individual applicants who submit applications that are prepared correctly, using the proper terminology with the correct supporting documentation, stack the odds in their favor. Given that the process can average between two to four years, it is important to do as much due diligence in the beginning as possible.

While some cases are simple to evaluate, the reality is that too many get stuck in the system because of missing documentation, unclear answers and missing details. Ultimately, many of these applications are denied. After denial, many of these applicants will find an attorney to represent them at appeal.

Do You Need a Social Security Disability Representative?

If yours is a clear-cut case involving simple answers, a common condition, and requiring a minimal amount of paperwork, the answer is probably no. However, if your case is complex, involves more than one condition, questionable circumstances, or requires multiple care providers to provide documentation, you may want to find a qualified Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representative to help you.

While some representatives, especially attorneys, will not consider your case until it has been denied, there are many organizations and individuals who will offer help in the early stages.

Questions to Ask Potential Social Security Disability Insurance Representatives

When seeking SSDI representation, people typically think of retaining an attorney. However, there are many organizations that hire specialists and representatives to help handle Social Security Disability claims for specific conditions. These firms often have extensive experience with specific conditions while attorneys have legal expertise and an understanding of the laws that are pertinent to your case and state.

When interviewing the representative, don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, it's in your best interest to choose wisely.

When interviewing candidates consider the following questions:

What experience do you have representing people with this specific disability? At minimum you want someone with several years of experience and a solid understanding of your condition and the relevant terminology.
How long have you been in business? Again, this answer may vary greatly, but you want someone who has been in business for at least two years. Ten or more is preferable.
Are you accredited by the Better Business Bureau? Don't take this answer at face value. Verify it by going online or calling the Better Business Bureau to check their status.
What are your fees? Fees may vary, but most disability attorneys and advocates charge a fee only if they are successful in obtaining benefits for you.
Will you provide counsel to complete necessary paperwork? The company that represents you should take responsibility for your case. If they don't complete the paperwork, they should, at the very least, provide advice to you about the answers.
Will you track forms and appeals to ensure timeliness? They should advise you as to which forms to submit and monitor the status of your case.
What documentation will you provide for me? Bi-weekly updates regarding the status of your case will keep you abreast of the progress and ensure that important deadlines aren't missed.
Will you attend any appointments or hearings with me? Is there an extra fee for this service? Any representative who accepts a fee should also be present for appointments or hearings. Those with lower up front fees may charge extra for this service. Organizations that charge a larger up front fee, will typically appear with you for no extra charge.
Will you contact my doctors to obtain medical records for my file? This should be part of the service.
Is there a limit to the number of times I can call with questions? Unlimited access is preferred.
How often will you check with the SSA about my claim? Every two weeks is fair.
Will you be responsible for confirming that my claim file is up-to-date? This should be their responsibility.
How long should I expect the process to take? The answer on this may vary, however currently files are taking anywhere from nine months to four years to be finalized.
Can I talk to any of your previous clients? Interviewing previous clients can give you an idea about what to expect.

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Facts About Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is not just for retirement. The SSA offers two types of disability benefits for those who qualify. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to a worker who has a long enough work history to be eligible and who meets the requirements for a disability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a benefit that is paid to disabled workers based upon financial need. The programs are very different and have specific requirements.

Workers who can no longer work because of a disability may be eligible for SSDI. The SSA has guidelines as to what constitutes a disability; they are usually medical disabilities that make it a hardship for the worker to withstand working conditions. The worker is unable to continue their pre-disability work and cannot adjust to any other type of work because of the medical condition. The disability must be expected to last at least one year or be a fatal condition. Examples of a disability include lung cancer, schizophrenia, and congestive heart failure.

Not everyone will qualify for SSDI even if they have a legitimate disability. Workers must have a work history or earnings record with enough time and tax money paid into the SSA system. The requirements are based upon the age of the worker. While receiving SSDI, there are incentive programs designed to help the worker return to the work force in some capacity. The Ticket to Work program offers some workers the chance to use a "ticket" and work with an employment network to find ways to start working again, either at the same type of job or something new.

SSI is a benefit that is paid to blind, elderly, or disabled workers who have few other options for income or financial resources. SSI is intended to pay for essentials such as shelter, clothing, and food. Many people who receive SSI are also eligible for other types of public assistance with housing, health care, or food since they have little to no net worth.

Anyone who believes they are eligible for SSA disability benefits should consult an attorney who specializes in disability benefits.

For more information, please visit http://www.socialsecuritynethelp.me