Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
is a payroll-funded program to supplement the income of those unable to work due to disability.
For an individual to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, the disability must last for at least a year or be terminal. The disabled individual must also be under age 65 to be eligible, as 65 is normally the age of Medicare eligibility.
How do I apply for SSDI?
You can do so in a variety of ways. The first is by visiting your local Social Security office. Although an appointment is not generally necessary, it is advisable to call in advance in order to minimize possible complications.
You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance by telephone. The toll-free number is 800-772-1213 (TDY 1-80325-0778).
You can also apply online at www.SSA.gov by filling out a Social Security Disability application for benefits.
Regardless of how you decide to apply for SSDI, it’s important that you do so as soon as you become disabled. Processing of claims for SSDI normally takes three to five months, and you won’t want to wait any longer than necessary to receive the benefits you’re due.
Do I need to consult with an advocate or attorney before filing an application? Do I need representation?
The average person is more than capable of filing a claim on his or her own behalf. However, you need to be aware that many individuals encounter serious difficulties in applying for and receiving disability benefits. Typically, they encounter long waiting periods only to learn their claims are denied. They may submit documentation showing eligibility for SSDI only to learn they’ve overlooked a minor detail or two that can lead to outright denial or another lengthy waiting period. The fact is, over 60% of SSDI claims are denied, and the waiting periods for hearings and appeals can cause severe hardship to disabled persons in need of SSDI. This, of course, underscores the importance of getting every detail in your SSDI application correct and presenting clear documentary evidence of your disability and inability to work.
Having representation with a proven track record when it comes to SSDI claims and appeals can certainly work in your favor.
On the other hand, having representation without top knowledge and successful experience in disability cases may not help at all. If you decide in favor of representation, you’ll definitely want to ask some hard questions in order to determine you’re getting representation that’s likely to help your case.
You may want to consult with an advocate or attorney before proceeding, but if you’re confident in your ability to follow instructions carefully and to provide every bit of documentation you’re required to submit with your application, you may well decide to submit your Social Security Disability forms on your own after consulting www.ssa.gov.
Making an informed decision is always the best thing you can do. Click here for a free SSDI evaluation to help determine where you stand. If you’d like more information about Social Security Disability, a qualified MedicareMall agent will be happy to answer your questions. We’ll also be glad to answer any questions you may have about Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, or Medigap plans.
Contact MedicareMall now and we’ll make it our priority to help you make the best-informed decisions possible.
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Social Security Disability Conditions