What You Need to Know When Filing for Social Security Disability
Applying for Social Security Disability can be an overwhelming and frustrating process.
Understanding how the application process works so that you can attempt to speed up your disability claim can make the disability application process much less stressful.
Before applying for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure you are familiar with the following facts and advice.
First, it is important to understand that disability benefits are intended for individuals who are unable to work and cannot support themselves.
Thus, you must prove, beyond a doubt, that you cannot work.
Answering Tough Questions Unfortunately, the questions necessary to prove a disability can be invasive and therefore difficult to complete.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is not asking these questions as a personal attack or to make judgments about you.
Instead, your responses help the SSA determine if you are able to support yourself.
If your condition is severe enough that you are unable to work, your answers will help the SSA understand why disability benefits are needed.
Be open and honest when explaining your situation so that the SSA understands your need for benefits.
The Long Haul It is important to understand that the disability application process is not quick and that it can sometimes take years to be approved for disability.
Helping Your Case When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to be proactive with your medical treatment.
Medical records play a large role in determining the severity of disability according to Social Security.
Therefore, keep regular appointments with medical professionals and note how your condition is affecting you and your ability to function.
The majority of initial applications received by the SSA are denied so if your application for Social Security Disability benefits is not initially approved, do not become discouraged as you have the right to appeal the decision.
Many people who are initially denied, successfully appeal their decision and are approved disability benefits.
However, if your application is denied, consider hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer for help through the appeals process.
Earning an Income Many people assume that they cannot earn money while they are applying for disability because they fear working will interfere with their ability to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
This isn't necessarily the case.
You have to make ends meet, and even those who are disabled can generate a small income.
As long as you do not generate a "substantial" income while you are disabled, your ability to claim disability benefits should not be affected.
Usually, a substantial income is anything in excess of $800 to $1,000 per month.
If you make $50 a week helping your sister or friend, you will still be able to collect disability benefits.
Following Up If you are approved Social Security Disability benefits, make sure that you continue to seek treatment for your disability.
If you feel that you are able to go to work, there are available work incentive programs.
If you are not able to return to work, make sure you continue to be treated so that your disability case is continuously documented.
Your benefits will be reviewed every three to seven years after your initial application is approved.
You will need proof that you are still disabled upon review.
Understanding how the application process works so that you can attempt to speed up your disability claim can make the disability application process much less stressful.
Before applying for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure you are familiar with the following facts and advice.
First, it is important to understand that disability benefits are intended for individuals who are unable to work and cannot support themselves.
Thus, you must prove, beyond a doubt, that you cannot work.
Answering Tough Questions Unfortunately, the questions necessary to prove a disability can be invasive and therefore difficult to complete.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is not asking these questions as a personal attack or to make judgments about you.
Instead, your responses help the SSA determine if you are able to support yourself.
If your condition is severe enough that you are unable to work, your answers will help the SSA understand why disability benefits are needed.
Be open and honest when explaining your situation so that the SSA understands your need for benefits.
The Long Haul It is important to understand that the disability application process is not quick and that it can sometimes take years to be approved for disability.
Helping Your Case When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to be proactive with your medical treatment.
Medical records play a large role in determining the severity of disability according to Social Security.
Therefore, keep regular appointments with medical professionals and note how your condition is affecting you and your ability to function.
The majority of initial applications received by the SSA are denied so if your application for Social Security Disability benefits is not initially approved, do not become discouraged as you have the right to appeal the decision.
Many people who are initially denied, successfully appeal their decision and are approved disability benefits.
However, if your application is denied, consider hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer for help through the appeals process.
Earning an Income Many people assume that they cannot earn money while they are applying for disability because they fear working will interfere with their ability to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
This isn't necessarily the case.
You have to make ends meet, and even those who are disabled can generate a small income.
As long as you do not generate a "substantial" income while you are disabled, your ability to claim disability benefits should not be affected.
Usually, a substantial income is anything in excess of $800 to $1,000 per month.
If you make $50 a week helping your sister or friend, you will still be able to collect disability benefits.
Following Up If you are approved Social Security Disability benefits, make sure that you continue to seek treatment for your disability.
If you feel that you are able to go to work, there are available work incentive programs.
If you are not able to return to work, make sure you continue to be treated so that your disability case is continuously documented.
Your benefits will be reviewed every three to seven years after your initial application is approved.
You will need proof that you are still disabled upon review.