Many people believe that applying for social security disability benefits is difficult. However, it’s not. These benefits are available for people with a variety of different disabilities. The process for applying for disability benefits is simple and straightforward. The first step is to fill out an application. SSA will assess your disability and send it to a field office for processing. The field office will then compute your benefit amount and complete any non-disability development. Once your application is processed, the field office will retain your file for appeal. Appeals are handled by the same adjudicative team as initial determinations.
The next step is to determine the severity of your condition. If you have a severe medical condition, you will likely not qualify for SSDI. But if you’re suffering from a life-threatening illness, you should file an application for SSDI. This will ensure that your benefits are processed quickly. You should also consider whether you need a doctor’s opinion before filing for disability benefits. The sooner you apply for SSDI, the better.
The SSA will then use a formula to assess your disability. You must be at least 18 years of age, have a medical impairment, and have been disabled for at least one year. You must be able to work for at least three years for the SSA to find you disabled. After that, they will determine if your disability is severe enough to justify SSDI. It will then require you to answer questions two and three carefully.
The process is slow and complicated. Because SSDI is funded by the government, it takes months or years to adjust your benefits. You could end up paying back more benefits than you receive. In these cases, a lawyer can help you file an application. If your application is approved, you will be able to start receiving your disability benefits in no time. In addition, you will be able to keep working for at least three years before you have to pay back your benefits.
If you are unable to work for at least three years, your doctor may prescribe you medication. In addition to a physical disability, the SSDI will consider a mental condition. It may be a chronic condition. You will need to be diagnosed with a mental disorder to be eligible for disability benefits. Those with serious conditions are not eligible for these benefits. If you have a milder condition, you will not qualify for SSDI.
If you are disabled due to a condition that affects your health, you must answer question two. The Social Security Administration is not very well funded, so it can take several months to adjust your benefits. The Social Security Administration may even be unable to get your benefits adjusted quickly enough. This can lead to overpayment and forced repayment. Because of this, many people do not seek benefits for fear of overpaying. They will instead try to avoid working and risk paying back the money.
Contact Social Security Law Center Disability Law for any questions regarding social security disability benefits.
