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How do I apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration?

By: LawInfo
Published: 02/2009
Applying for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration can be a long and confusing process. However, if you get together all of the information that you need to know before you apply for disability benefits, the application process should go smoothly for you.
 
First, you should understand that Social Security uses very strict definitions of disability for granting disability benefits. For example, if you are currently working and earning more than $980 per month, you are generally not considered to be disabled. Plus, your medical condition or illness has to be severe, in that it interferes with your ability to perform work-related duties. Even if you meet these conditions, then the Social Security Administration still has to consider whether you are otherwise eligible for disability benefits. 
 
In order to apply for disability benefits, you will have a disability interview in person at your local Social Security office, or by telephone. During this interview, you will complete a disability application. You will need to gather a lot of information for your interview. If you have trouble getting this information, however, Social Security staff can help you get information. For instance, you will need:
 
·        Contact information for doctor’s offices and hospitals where you have treated (name, address and telephone number), and the dates of your treatment by each doctor or hospital
·        A list of your current medications and dosages
·        Any medical records that you have
·        A copy of your birth certificate
·        A copy of any discharge papers if you were in the military
·        Your W-2 form(s) from last year if you worked, or your federal tax return from last year if you were self-employed
·        Your job history, including dates and kinds of jobs that you held
·        Social security numbers for your spouse and child(ren)
·        The account numbers for your bank account, if you have one
·        Contact information for a friend or family member who will always be able to contact you
 
To prepare for your interview, you will need to be able to identify your disabling medical condition or illness, as well as the symptoms that your condition causes. You should know the date on which you became disabled, or could no longer work. 
 
After your interview, your application is reviewed by a state agency. They will review your medical records that are related to the medical condition that you think makes you disabled and unable to work. You may be asked to have an examination by another doctor or medical test; you don’t have to pay for any examinations or tests requested by Social Security, but you do have to keep the appointments that are scheduled for you. 
 
It takes about three to five months to get a decision about your disability benefits. It may take longer if Social Security must gather a lot of medical records and/or other evidence about your medical condition. If Social Security denies your application for disability, there is a review and appeals process available to you; during this process, Social Security will review the denial of your disability application, and take into account any new information that you have about your medical condition.

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