Social Security Disability

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration offers benefits for disabled individuals who are unable to work due to their injuries or illnesses. There are two types of benefits available:

• Social Security Disability (SSD) Insurance, and
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Depending on your work history, income level and severity of disability, you may qualify for either one of these. This page discusses how to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability?

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, a person must:

• Have a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Be under the age of 65
• Have worked five of the last 10 years from the determined date of disability onset
• Live in the United States or one of its territories
• Have a physical or mental disability (or both) that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

Substantial gainful activity is a standard that the Social Security Administration uses to measure whether or not a person is earning enough to support themselves. It is measured in terms of monthly earnings, and changes each year to keep up with economic factors.

What Disabilities Qualify Me for Benefits?

There are many ways that a person can become injured or sick enough to lose the ability to work. The Social Security Administration has a list of ailments that qualify a person for disability benefits, including:

• Respiratory conditions
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Autoimmune disorders
• Endocrine disorders
• Neurological conditions
• Mental health disorders
• Musculoskeletal issues

There are many ailments included in the Blue Book, but yours does not have to be listed in order to qualify. If you can demonstrate that your unlisted disorder keeps you from working and earning enough income for yourself or your family, you can apply for benefits.

When Should I Apply for Social Security Disability?

The best answer is as soon as possible. Once you meet the requirements to apply--go do it. The approval process can be long and complicated, so you want to make sure that you get your application in as soon as you can.

Many people can begin the application for Social Security Disability from the date they are first unable to work. If your appeal for disability is successful, you might be able to claim back benefits, which start from the date of your determined disability.

How Do I Apply for Social Security?

To apply for Social Security, you have two options:

• File a Social Security application at ssa.gov (recommended)
• Call and schedule an appointment at your local SSA office

Applying online can save you time and money. However, you must be 18 or older to apply online, as well as meet the other SSD eligibility requirements.

Information You Need to Apply Online:

• Name, address, and phone number of someone who can verify your disability.
• Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers, and dates of treatment for any doctor, clinic, or hospital you've used.
• Names of prescriptions and the doctor who prescribed them.
• Names and dates for any medical tests completed and the doctor who ordered them.
• Dates and types of jobs you have worked for the last five years.
• Insurance claim information, such as workers' compensation or auto insurance.

Documents You Need to Apply Online:

• Military service discharge information (Form DD 214)
• W2 form or IRS 1040 from last year
• Social Security numbers for family members (spouse and minor children)
• Bank account numbers (optional: needed if you want your benefits directly deposited into your account)

Once you've gathered these materials, you can complete the online application!

What Happens After I Apply?

After you have completed the initial application, you can proceed to the Adult Disability Report, which gives the SSA a profile of your disability and work history.

The SSA requests that you mail or bring the completed "Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration" form to their offices. This grants them permission to get information from your doctor's office and other treatment sources.

What If My Application Was Denied?

Here's the truth: Social Security denies about 70% of all disability claims on the first application.

If your application has been denied, don't accept that as a final answer. You have the right to appeal a denied disability claim, and an experienced disability attorney can help you in doing that.

Appealing a denied claim can be complicated and intimidating, but know that the Social Security Administration works with disability attorneys, as well as applicants. This ensures that you are not blindsided in the appeals process.

Just know that your chances of being approved are much higher if you have an experienced disability attorney working on your case.

In Order to Properly Preserve Your Disability Claim, You Should Do the Following:

• Contact an experienced Florida disability attorney.
• Continue to treat with your doctor.
• Gather contact information of doctors who treated you, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
• Make sure that you have a good relationship with doctors who are aware that you have applied for disability.

Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?

When it comes to filing a claim for disability, it is hard to do it right. Oftentimes, what a client believes is important for their case will have no effect on it. Alternatively, something a client thinks is unimportant to their case may be crucial. Understanding the importance of certain factors could make all the difference.

Any trial attorney will tell you that a trial is won or lost far before you enter the courtroom. Social Security disability claims are no different. They are not won at the hearing, they are won based on the preparation done well before the hearing.

Coye Law Firm is an experienced Social Security disability law firm that can properly prepare your appeal. Because of early preparation, we are often able to get our clients picked up for Social Security without a hearing.

Call (407) 648-4940 or click here to contact me today for a free consultation about your case.

The Wade Coye is an expert Injury attorney handling cases in Florida, New York, Michigan, and District of Columbia and is here to help you and your family.