One of the most common questions asked by anyone thinking about starting a claim is under what circumstances you can begin to file your claim for Social Security disability.

You should apply for disability benefits immediately after becoming disabled in a way that meets the definition and grounds for support. This is because it can take some time to get your claim approved, but you want to have submitted your information in advance so that you know the process has begun.

According to the agency website, there are certain criteria that must be met to file an online application for Social Security disability benefits. This criteria states that you must be 18 years of age at the time, you cannot already be getting Social Security benefits based on your record, you are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 18 months or lead to your death, and that you have not been denied these benefits in the past 60 days.

What Information Do I Have to Submit in a Disability Application?

Along with your disability application, you need to submit certain details to support your claim when you file for Social Security Disability. This includes your proof of age and Social Security Number, your most recent W-2, names and addresses of your clinics and doctors, information about your medications, lab and test results, medical records from all your doctors, a summary of where you did work and the kind of work you did there, and information about any family members who might also qualify for benefits.

What Happens if Your Claim is Denied?

When you submit your application, some time will need to pass for processing purposes. If you receive a response that your application is denied, you should speak with an attorney about your next steps. While you can submit an appeal on your own, the complexities of getting Social Security disability benefits can be very difficult to manage without the help of a lawyer who knows the system.

If you do not agree with the agency’s decision, you can respond right away and exercise your right to have them review your case again. The notice you get back from Social Security will give you next steps about how you must respond and the time limit for doing so. If it has been indicated that you do not meet the grounds based on the definition of disability, then you can appeal this decision online.

Since the information you submitted the first time around might be part of the issue with the denied application, it can be helpful to speak with a lawyer who is familiar with disability applications and appeals. There are many cases in which a first-round denial of disability benefits can lead to an approval during an appeal, but you must know how to respond to the appeal and do so in a timely manner.

If you need assistance getting your claim resolved, Top Class Actions can help you find an attorney familiar with appeals after you file for Social Security Disability.

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