Social Security Disability and SSI OverviewFiling an Application for Disability Benefits under SSD or SSI - Step by Step If your condition is keeping you from working and earning a livable wage, you should probably file for disability. If you are currently working full-time, but your condition is getting worse, then you should file for disability as soon as your earnings drop below the earnings limit for SSD benefits and SSI benefits. How to Apply for Disability - Where do I go to apply? Technically speaking, you do not actually have to go anywhere to file a Social Security Disability application. If you are unable to visit a social security field office, or just do not feel comfortable going to an office, you can apply for disability by phone or in some cases online. What medical conditions qualify for disability? You may apply for Social Security Disability for any medical condition that is severe, lasts a year or longer, and affects your ability to work and earn a substantial and gainful income. How does back pay for Social Security Disability work? Social Security Disability back pay is based on your date of onset and date of entitlement. What is a date of onset? Simply, the date you became unable to work due to your condition or conditions. Social Security Disability SSI - Retroactive Benefits Vs Back Pay Benefits Many disability beneficiaries confuse retroactive benefits with back payment of benefits in general. As with all disability benefits, retroactive benefits are based upon the date of filing and the established date of onset of disability. How does the Social Security Disability Review work? Social Security periodically reviews all disability recipients to determine if they are still eligible to receive disability as defined by the rules and regulations of the Social Security administration. Two things affect Social Security Disability eligibility and that is medical improvement and work activity. How does the Social Security Disability Appeal Process work? If your initial disability claim has been denied, you have the right to disagree with the decision. You do this by filing an appeal. How Long Does A Social Security Disability Appeal Take? The length of time a Social Security Disability appeal takes is most affected by the appeal level of the disability claim. How does Social Security Disability decide that you cannot work? How does social security decide whether your can work or not? By evaluating your medical evidence, rating how limited you are, and then comparing this rating to the kind of work you did in the past. How much does Social Security Disability or SSI pay? Social Security Disability is very different in some ways than SSI disability. Unlike SSI, the amount that a person receives from this program is not the same as every recipient. Will my children get benefits if I get approved for disability? If you are approved for Social Security Disability there is a possibility that your children or spouse may be eligible for monthly benefits as well. The Levels Of The Social Security Disability and SSI Application and Appeal Process The various levels of the SSD and SSI system, from start to finish, beginning with the application phase. Note: the majority of claims will go as far as the ALJ hearing level before being approved. How are Social Security Disability cases decided? Here, we succintly describe the evaluation process used by SSA for both SSD and SSI claims. The Social Security Disability Approval Process and the Criteria for Decisions This complements the "process" page linked above and offers more detail and clarification. What Happens When You File an SSI or Social Security Disability Application? You should be able to provide the claims representative with your medical treatment sources and make sure the information is complete and detailed. Who handles my case if I apply for Social Security Disability? Your disability case will be handled by several people during the Social Security Disability process and will include individuals at the Social Security office, the state disability office, and in many, if not most cases, individuals at a hearing, including an administrative law judge. What is DDS, or Disability Determination Services? The agency goes by different names in different states; in most states, it is known as DDS and this is where SSD and SSI claims begin. How long does it take to be approved for SSI or Social Security Disability? Most decisions on initial claims will be made in under three months. Many cases will have to go through the disability application, reconsideration appeal, and disability hearing phases--meaning it may take 2-3 years to be approved for SSD or SSI benefits. Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits Here is a short list of three common mistakes made by claimants. Avoiding Mistakes to get your Disability Claim Approved In order to get your disability claim approved, at the very least avoid the following mistakes. How do I check the status of my Social Security Disability claim? You can contact the Social Security office where you applied to get the status of your claim; however, getting in touch with the disability examiner who is working on your case is usually more productive. Social Security Disability--Permanent Disability You do not have to be permanently disabled, but you must be totally disabled, as defined by SSA. Read this page to learn the distinction. Working and Disability - Are You Allowed to Work While Receiving Social Security Disability or SSI? One of the most important things to keep in mind when receiving Social Security Disability benefits and attempting work activity is to keep the local social security office updated on any work that is engaged in. Social Security Disability Claims and Medical Exams Most disability consultative exams are scheduled, not to determine the state of the claimant's health or even functional limitations, but as a mere formality that must be satisfied before the examiner can close the case. More on the following topics here: Part II: Overview of Social Security Disability and SSI 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. |
