How to Apply for Social Security Disability
A Government Program for People Unable to Work
If a person is unable to perform meaningful work because of a severe medical impairment, then he may be able to get assistance from Social Security. This program can provide monthly income as well as insurance through Medicare or Medicaid.
Social Security was started as part of the New Deal package of reforms introduced by President Franklin Roosevelt to aid America in recovering from the Great Depression. Today, it provides benefits for retired workers, their spouses or widows/widowers, and disabled children and adults.
Completing the Application
The application for Social Security can be done in person at a local field office, over the phone or through the Social Security website. Claimants will need to provide the following information when they apply:
- Current mailing address and phone numbers
- A description of the medical condition(s) that prevents them from working
- Information about the jobs that they have held for the past fifteen years, including the date when they could no longer work because of their condition
- Names and addresses of doctors, clinics and hospitals that have provided treatment for the medical problems
- Names of medications taken and their purpose, as well as any medical tests performed
- Education and training history
- Other people who can be contacted about the claim, such as a spouse, family member, friend or caseworker
The Claims Process
Social Security workers will use the information provided to determine if the claimant is eligible for benefits. There are two different programs that claimants can qualify under – Title II and Title XVI. Title II benefits are paid based on work credits earned by the claimant or his spouse or parent through employment. Title XVI does not rely on work credits but is income based. Some applicants can actually qualify for both programs. There are several different categories under both programs, such as disabled worker, spouse, widow/widower, statutory blindness, and disabled child.
The application is then processed by a medical examiner that will retrieve medical records from the sources listed on the application. The claimant must complete and sign a release form authorizing his medical records to be released for this process. If the claimant has an attorney representative, then a special form needs to be completed by the claimant and the attorney giving permission to relay information about the case to the third party.
The disability examiner will use the medical records and other information collected from the claimant to determine if there truly is a disability that prevents working. It is very important that claimants cooperate with the examiner during this period. If forms need to be filled out, they should be completed accurately and promptly. Not cooperating can cause a delay in the case or a denial of benefits.
If the examiner determines that there is not enough information to make a decision, then he may send the claimant to an exam performed by a medical professional who contracts with the Social Security program. The doctor will send his reports to the examiner, who will use that information in the decision making process.
Getting a Decision
After all information has been carefully evaluated, the examiner will decide whether to fully approve, partially approve or deny the claim. In some cases, the examiner makes the decision independently, but in complex situations, a medical consultant will provide input.
The claimant will receive a letter in the mail informing him of the decision. If the claim is approved then the letter will explain when he will start receiving benefits and how much he will get each month. In some cases, claimants can get retroactive benefits.
If the claim is denied, then the letter will explain why. Reasons for a claim being denied can include:
- The disability is not severe enough or will not last for at least twelve months
- The claimant is still able to perform past work or can perform other work
- The claimant did not cooperate or supply enough information to make a decision
A denial letter will also include information about appealing the decision. If the claimant wants to appeal, then he needs to follow those instructions carefully.
Dealing with a serious medical condition is physically, emotionally and financially exhausting. Social Security is a safety net that can help individuals with a disability have peace of mind and maintain an adequate standard of living.
References:
Social Security Administration Website
Help for the Disabled
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