How To Apply For Social Security Disability Insurance?

Answer 1

If you have a disabling medical condition and are unable to work, the U.S. Government has an excellent program to help you out financially. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a Godsend if you find yourself in dire straights because you cannot work. If you are found to be disabled and your disability continues for at least two years, you will also receive Medicare Health Insurance.

What Are The Requirements?

To qualify for benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing your previous work and also keeps you from doing other work. The disabling condition must be one that will last for at least one year or is expected to end in death.

Your inability to work must be total. SSDI does not pay benefits based on short-term or partial disabilities. There’s also a five-month waiting period before benefits can begin. During the waiting period, you must continue to be disabled. If you are entitled to benefits, they will begin in your sixth month of disability.

How Do I Apply For Benefits?

Visit the Social Security website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ and click on Disability Benefits at the top of the page. You’ll be guided through the application process from start to finish. To review the SSDI program and view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), click the drop-down menu under Questions and select Disability. You can also apply for benefits in person at your local Social Security Office.

If you believe your disability could last for at least one year, you should apply for benefits immediately. If you regain your ability to work because the condition improves, you can always cancel the application.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Decision?

It will take from three to six months to receive a decision. If the decision process takes longer, and you are eventually approved for benefits, you will receive retroactive benefits for any months more than five during which you were disabled.

Social Security benefits are also available for disabled children under the age of 18. While private disability insurance does not affect an SSDI claim, the benefit amount may be impacted if you receive compensation from public programs like Worker’s Compensation.