Social Security disability benefits may provide financial assistance to workers who become disabled and will remain disabled for a year or longer. According to U.S. government statistics, today’s 20-year-old worker faces a 25 percent chance of experiencing a disability prior to reaching the age required for full retirement benefits. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees and administers the federally funded program.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

The SSA publishes a list of impairments that can qualify for disability coverage. Even if your affliction is not listed, you may be eligible for benefits if you can provide substantial evidence that the ailment is as severe as a medical problem that is on the list.

My Application for Disability Benefits Was Denied. What Can I Do?

Up to 70 percent of first-time applicants are denied. The application can be complicated, and you must adhere to strict deadlines as the application makes its way through the system. As with private disability insurance, you can appeal your denial, but the appeals process may take two years before you even receive your initial hearing.

What Do I Need to Prove I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

You will need to show that your medical ailment will persist for more than a year. You will want to have your medical records, doctor’s contact information, your Social Security number, birth certificate, list of medications, work history and recent W-2 form with you.

Keep in mind that you might be asked to have an additional medical exam after you speak with the Social Security office about potential disability benefits.

How Do I Apply?

You may apply through an online application, at a local Social Security office, or by phone.

What Is the First Step to Applying?

Each applicant must first complete the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire, which is used to gauge how self-sufficient the applicant is at completing tasks such as shopping for groceries, getting dressed, cleaning house and fixing meals.

How Long Will I Need to Wait to Find out if I Qualify for Benefits?

Applicants are usually notified in three to six months, by U.S. Mail, if their application has been accepted or not. Only 37 percent of all applications are approved the first time.

If My Application is Denied, Should I Wait a While to Appeal?

You must submit a request for reconsideration within 60 days of obtaining a denial. Otherwise, you will have to submit an entirely new application.

Your appeal could take up to five months before you hear anything. If you submit the identical information without any new details, your appeal will be denied more than 80 percent of the time.

What if My Appeal is Denied?

The next step is to appeal to an administrative law judge, who will set a hearing and ask you questions about your medical ailment and review all the evidence. You can bring witnesses to testify about the medical problem, and the judge may request witnesses, too. It may take more than a year before the hearing is set, but this type of appeal has a better chance of succeeding for the applicant.

What Can the Social Security Disability Appeals Council Do?

If your claim is denied by the administrative law judge, you can appeal to the Social Security Disability Appeals Council, which will examine the judge’s decision. The Council can only confirm or deny that the judge’s decision was legal, though, and will not take a look at the claim or any evidence.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.