Social Security disability insurance benefits are hugely important to millions of Americans. Indeed, approximately 8.5 million Americans receive disabled-worker benefits from Social Security, along with 1.5 million children of disabled workers and 117,000 spouses.

These benefits, while essential for older workers, are also hugely important for many young workers. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, “a young person starting a career today has a 1 in 3 chance of dying or qualifying for SSDI before reaching Social Security’s full retirement age.”

And while 8.5 million Americans are currently receiving SSDI benefits, nearly 156 million workers are protected by the SSDI program.

Not all who apply for Social Security disability benefits receive their benefits right away. Some may have to go through a more extensive process to receive their benefits. Consulting an experienced attorney can help workers through this process.

And while 8.5 million Americans are currently receiving SSDI benefits, nearly 156 million workers are protected by the SSDI program.

Not all who apply for Social Security disability benefits receive these right away. Some may have to go through a more extensive process to receive their benefits. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you through this process.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

There are several ways to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Workers may be able to apply for these benefits by calling the Social Security Administration’s toll-free phone number, or by filling out their online application. Another possible option is to schedule an appointment to fill out an application in person at a Social Security office.

Disability applicants will need to show that their medical condition preventing them from working will last for at least a year, according to the Motley Fool. Applicants will also need to supply their medical records, work history and recent W-2s, physician contact information, and other personal information. Physical exams are also required in many cases.

In addition to the long application that must be filled out, there are also strict deadlines that applicants must adhere to.

The Motley Fool also recommends that disabled workers apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as they become disabled, due to a waiting period before benefits will be distributed.

If the application for disability benefits is approved, the distribution of disability benefits will not begin until the sixth full month of disability. This disability waiting period begins with the first full month following the date that the Social Security Administration determines the disability began.

What Benefits are Available Through Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability (SSDI) is one of the biggest federal programs for people with disabilities. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which takes medical criteria and Social Security tax history into account.

The SSDI program pays benefits to the applicant with disabilities, along with qualifying family members, provided the applicant has worked for a certain period of time and has also paid Social Security taxes.

Social Security Disability benefits take the form of a monthly check meant to take the place of income that cannot be earned due to disability, notes U.S. News. In January 2021, the average monthly Social Security Disability check was $1,278, per SSA data cited in U.S. News. Many workers reportedly saw their disability benefit payments increase this year.

What Can I Do If My Application Was Denied?

When a worker receives a denial for their Social Security Disability application, not all hope is lost. Indeed, there are several stages of appeal for a negative Social Security Disability decision, so disabled workers have several chances to have the decision reversed and receive their rightful benefits.

However, it is essential to respond to the decision quickly with an appeal. Generally, there’s about a 60-day window in which claimants can submit an appeal after the receive the notice of the SSA’s negative decision.

Disability benefits may be denied for many reasons, including insufficient work history, current job status, or lack of medical records. Approximately 70 percent of first time Social Security Disability applications are denied. While there is an appeals process that applicants may follow, this process is complicated. It may take two years before applicants who appeal their denial have their first hearing.

There are several levels at which an applicant who has been denied can appeal the denial. The most important thing to know is that hope is not lost, but the second most important thing is to know that action should be taken quickly in response to the denial. Usually, applicants who have been denied have about a 60-day window after receiving the denial in which they can make an appeal.

The first level of this appeal is a reconsideration appeal, which can be done over the internet and will be reviewed by a second person from the SSA—someone who was not involved in the original denial. This appeal considers any information that was provided the first time, plus any new evidence that may have been submitted in the appeals process.

If this appeal is also denied, applicants can still pursue the next appeal level, which involves a hearing by an administrative law judge. If this, too, is denied, an Appeals Council can be requested to review the judge’s decision. Finally, if the applicant disagrees with the decision reached by the Appeals Council, or if the Council rejects the case entirely, applicants can file a civil suit for review by the Federal Court.

Should I Consult an Attorney?

Although it is possible to apply for Social Security Disability benefits on your own, having an experienced attorney may make it easier to navigate the application. A Social Security benefits attorney will advocate for you, keep you informed about the status of your claim, and make sure that important application deadlines are met.

If you are just starting the application process for Social Security Disability, hiring a qualified attorney may make navigating the process easier for you. If you have already applied to Social Security Disability and had your application denied, legal help may still be available to you. Hiring a qualified attorney may make it more likely for you to receive benefits, whether that’s through the initial application process, the appeals process, or even in a civil suit. Top Class Actions can help connect you with legal help for your Social Security Disability application.

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