Financial Help When You Are Filing For DisabilityIf you are considering filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you are likely suffering from a medical condition that is seriously compromising, if not outright inhibiting your ability to perform tasks associated with work. You may already be experiencing a financial loss of earnings as a result of your condition, or be facing calls from bill collection agencies, or even the prospect of losing your home. For some individuals filing for SSD, paying for utilities, getting medical care, even putting food on the table, are tasks that get more difficult by the day. The bad news is, the process of filing for disability is a long one. The initial claim can take four months (or longer) to be evaluated, after which 70 percent are rejected. The request for reconsideration can take several months as well, and around 85 percent of those are rejected as well. If you choose to file a new claim, you face starting all over, with the resultant waiting periods, after which you may be rejected once again. If you choose to appeal your case before an administrative judge (the most commonly recommended course of action), it could be two years before the case is heard. The real question is, how do you survive financially while waiting to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits? Well, the good news is, there are free resources available to those in need, and tapping these resources can help float you until your Social Security Disability benefits are granted. In anticipation of these difficulties, you should take the following steps: 1. Get help paying your utilities. You local social services department should be able to provide you with the appropriate contact information, and may even offer one-time assistance for bills (not during the winter months). For help during the winter months, check into the low income energy assistance program (LIEAP). 2. Get help, even if it's only temporary, with paying your medical expenses. Again, your local social services department or county health department should be able to point you in the right direction here, providing the names of free clinics, churches, charitable organizations, or prescription assistance programs with resources available to those in need. You may also consider filing for Medicaid, because some counties allow you to receive medical benefits while your claim is being processed, even if your disability claim is ultimately denied. 3. Get help putting food on the table. File for food stamps, WIC (if you have minor children), and any other food assistance programs available in your area. 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: How much can you get for disability in NC? Tips for Getting Disability Approved When you File with Social Security Tips on how to file for disability Social Security Disability Tips - how a claim gets worked on Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI What should you say if you go to a Social Security Exam? Always list all your various symptoms on your Disability Application List every medical condition, physical or mental, when you file for disability Never minimize your pain or other symptoms because this can be used against you Be ready for your disability application before the process even starts A Tip for Making a Request for a Disability Hearing Social Security Disability Advice from the Wrong Sources Can the Social Security Office give you Bad Advice on a Disability Claim? Financial Help When You Are Filing For Disability Will I qualify for disability Benefits in Wisconsin? If you apply for disability in in Wisconsin Getting a Disability Lawyer in Wisconsin |
