How do I File and Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits?Should you file for disability benefits with the social security administration? The short answer is simply that if you have medical and/or mental conditions that have prevented you from working or have caused you to stop working or reduce your time on the job such that your earnings have dropped considerably, you should contact the Social Security Administration and file for Social Security Disability. Can you apply for disability while you are still working full-time? Yes and no. You can contact SSA and initiate a claim if you are working full-time; however, no medical processing will occur on your case. Instead, you will be issued an informal or "technical" denial that will be based on the fact that you are currently employed. After you contact a local social security office, the Social Security administration will set up a disability appointment for you to file your Social Security Disability application. What will you need to bring to the disability interview? You should be prepared to give Social Security the names of your physicians, dates of treatment, and any medications that you are taking. Additionally, you will need to provide a work history, which includes the types of jobs that you have done in the past fifteen years as well as the dates that you performed each type of job. Once you have completed your Social Security interview, your claim will be sent to the state agency responsible for Social Security medical decisions. At this agency, your claim will be reviewed by a disability examiner who will evaluate your medical records. Typically, a decision will be made within 3-4 months on your claim and, statistically, you will stand a thirty percent chance of being approved. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Disability Knee pain North Carolina How do I File and Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits? How Do I Find Out How My Disability Appeal Is Going? How Do I Apply For Disability - What Is The First Step? Will I Qualify For SSI and How Do I Get Approved? How do I file for my children and spouse if I am Receiving SSDI? Social Security Hearing- How do I Request one, how long will it take? How do I apply for a Social Security Disability widow's claim? How do I win disability benefits in North Carolina? How Do I Know If I Qualify For Disability in North Carolina? Filing a second application for disability |
