| Did you know that only 30-40% of disability claims are | | | | requirement for disability benefits. If you still receive |
| approved the first time? Unfortunately, many people | | | | disability benefits by age 65, the disability benefits |
| who are rightfully entitled to benefits aren't fully aware | | | | automatically convert to retirement benefits. |
| of how complex the rules and regulations are | | | | Step 2 |
| surrounding disability. Sadly, people often give up after | | | | Apply in person -- and save everything! While you can |
| their claims are denied because they don't understand | | | | submit your application by phone or mail, the |
| the process -- and they lose benefits they need just to | | | | unfortunate reality is that paperwork is often |
| survive. | | | | misplaced. Applying in person gives you a better |
| If you suffer from a disability that prevents you from | | | | chance of ensuring your information gets files |
| working, it's in your best interest to educate yourself | | | | correctly. Make copies of any paperwork, receipts, etc. |
| about Social Security Disability before you begin the | | | | associated with your application. Assembling all the |
| application process. Understanding a few key steps | | | | necessary documentation can be a time-consuming |
| beforehand can save you headaches and frustration | | | | process; you don't want to repeat your efforts if your |
| in the months to come. | | | | application is lost. |
| Step 1 | | | | Initial claim processing usually takes at least 60-90 |
| Determine which kind of benefit you qualify for. There | | | | days. Your claim will be sent to the Disability |
| are two Social Security disability programs that pay | | | | Determination Service office in your state, where |
| benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or | | | | officials will review your information to assess whether |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI). | | | | you are disabled under the Social Security law. Note |
| Both SSDI and SSI have the same medical | | | | that the Disability Determination Service office may |
| requirements, but SSDI requires that you have worked | | | | request a medical exam, in addition to the medical |
| enough in prior years to have built up a certain amount | | | | records you have already submitted. |
| of credit, while SSI is based only on financial need, | | | | Step 3 |
| regardless of whether you worked in the past. SSI | | | | Do not hesitate to contact a lawyer if your claim is |
| also pays benefits to children. Note that the amount of | | | | rejected. As mentioned earlier, a significant portion of |
| your SSI benefits will depend on what you own and | | | | all Social Security Disability claims are rejected on the |
| your household income -- including any wages earned | | | | first attempt, so an attorney familiar with Social |
| by your spouse. | | | | Security Disability law can be an invaluable resource. |
| In order to meet the criteria for either program, your | | | | While the process of applying for and receiving Social |
| disability must prevent you from working (or in the | | | | Security Disability benefits can be difficult, invest your |
| case of children, severely limit functionality) for at least | | | | time into properly filing and contact an attorney for |
| twelve months -- or the condition must be a terminal | | | | further legal advice. It's worth your effort to obtain the |
| one that will result in your death. There is no age | | | | benefits to which you are entitled. |