Filing for Social Security Disability
When to File for Social Security Disability
You should file for social security disability benefits as soon as you become disabled and are unable to work. The whole process can take a very long time. Therefore, the sooner you get started, the sooner you will be able to gain the money needed to avoid financial trouble.
Where to File for Social Security Disability
You can apply for benefits in person at any Social Security office, by telephone, on the internet or by mail. You have the right to an individual meeting at your local Social Security office. Going to a local office in person may allow you to receive advice from the agency workers, giving you an opportunity to correct any mistakes on your application prior to filing, and possibly allow for more personal treatment of your claim. One of the benefits of going to the office directly is that you will have up to date information and forms to file your claim properly.
How to File for Social Security Disability
The federal government states that the process will proceed more quickly if you go into your conference prepared with certain information. Therefore, along with your application, the government recommends completion of a Disability Report, which is available at the government offices, and on-line through the Social Security website. The information that you will need includes:
Social Security number |
A complete summary of the employers for whom you have worked in the past 15 years, including a brief work description for each employer |
Dependants SSI numbers |
Certified Copy of Birth Certificate |
Names, addresses and phone numbers of: |
Doctors |
Most recent W-2 form |
Hospitals |
|
Clinics |
Other health care facilities |
Examples of activities able and not able to do |
Dates of all visits to above |
Names and the dosage of all medication |
All related medical records |
Explanation of whether or not the injury or illness is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death |
All laboratory and testing results |
Doctor's Report |
Your doctor's report should include all specific information to satisfy the government's proof requirements. It must include, based on a recent examination, the diagnosis of injuries or illnesses causing the severe impairment of work capacity and an explanation of the restrictions to work resulting from the impairment.
After the Claim is Filed
Once your application is received, or following the interview, a Social Security representative will review the information you have presented. If the application meets certain basic criteria, it will be forwarded to State Disability Determination Services (called DDS offices).
The medical professionals listed in your application will be contacted by doctors and other medical professionals employed by state agencies. All relevant information should be gathered through the initial interview process. The evidence you have presented in your application will be used with this additional information to make a determination regarding your disability. If a more in-depth analysis is needed, they may ask you to undergo a special examination by your own doctor or another agency-assigned doctor.
The DSS office will determine if you are eligible for disability or may be trained to obtain other employment. If alternate employment is a possibility, they will forward your file to the state vocational rehabilitation agency to review. This process will take approximately three to five months.
Unfortunately, 64% of initial Social Security Disability claims are denied in 2005. Due to the complicated processes of filing and appealing denials, obtaining a qualified Social Security Disability attorney will often assist you in avoiding delays in receiving benefits.
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