More than 12 million people currently receive Social Security disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance programs. The large number of people receiving benefits obscures the fact that only one-third of applicants initially receive an approval.
The following information about how to apply for SSD benefits may help improve your chance of success. If you have questions about the process or want an SSD lawyer to handle it for you, contact the Law Firm.
When should you apply for SSD benefits?
Apply for disability benefits as soon as you receive a diagnosis from a physician or other medical professional of a physical or mental health impairment that prevents you from working and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI benefits have a waiting period of five months from the date that Social Security determines that you are disabled before you begin receiving monthly payments.
How To Apply For SSDI
You have a choice of three methods to use to apply for SSDI:
- Online
- Over the phone
- In person at a local Social Security office
Some of the documents you will need to apply for benefits include:
- Birth certificate
- Proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful alien status
- Discharge papers if you served in the U.S. military
- W-2 form or most recent tax return if you are self-employed
- Medical records and diagnostic test results in your possession
- Proof of workers’ compensation or other benefit awards, if any
You also need to complete an disability report that asks you for information about the illness or injury causing you to be disabled and details about your work history.
Applying For Disability Benefits Through SSI
Applicants for SSI have several options available to get the application process started, including:
- Online
- Over the phone
- By having someone assist you with the application
If you need help to complete an application form and do not have someone to assist you, Social Security will complete it for you based on information that you provide to them.
Documents that you may need to apply for SSI include the following:
- A Social Security card or the Social Security number.
- Birth certificate or other document proving your date or birth or age.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificate.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, proof of your current immigration status.
- Proof of income and resources.
- Proof of living arrangements.
- Medical records to support a claim of disability or blindness.
- Work history, if any.
If you do not have any documents that you need, Social Security or your SSD lawyer will help you to obtain them.
Applying For SSI For A Disabled Child
A child younger than 18 years old with a physical or mental impairment that severely limits their activities and is expected to last for at least 12 months or cause death may be eligible for SSI. You may initiate the application process by phone or online.
Unlike adults applying for SSI or SSDI, the application for SSI for a child is a two-step process that starts with completion of a Child Disability Report. The second step is telephone review with someone from SSI.
Law can help
Instead of going through the application process for Social Security disability on your own, an SSD lawyer from the Law Firm can help you. Learn what we can do for you by contacting us today for a free consultation.
About Author :- Francis Babet loves pursuing excellence through writing and has a passion for Legal. He currently writes for the Disability law Firm, a USA Based Law Firm that provides Short-term disability, SSD, SSI, SSDI, Personal Injury, and Disability pay. His work has been published on various sites related to Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, Disability Benefits and Disability Approved.