subject: The Ins And Outs Of Your Disability Application [print this page] The disability application process is meant to determine how much need someone has and what the government is able to provide for them. The process does not need to be a hassle for the applicant. With the two programs available, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, there are options available to help people who truly need it.
The first step to the disability application process is determining if you qualify as disabled. There are two criterias that need to be met in order to receive benefits as determined by the Social Security Administration. Free online disability evaluations are available to help determine if you qualify. Keep in mind that the disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, for more than 12 months.
The Social Security Administration will also try to determine if your condition will prevent you from substantial gainful activities. This is to decide if the disability not only prevents you from returning to your previous job, but also prevents you from finding another. If you are unable to pursue any profession, you could qualify for benefits.
If you fit the criteria for disability, the next step is to know the different programs that are available and decide which one you fit into.
Social Security tax funds are behind the first option, Social Security Disability Insurance. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must have enough work credits, meaning that you paid enough in Social Security taxes on your income over the years. Since you need to have a long work history to qualify, the requirements are less for younger applicants and parents work credits can be used on children younger than 22 years old.
The second program does not depend on past work history. Social Security Income is funded by general tax revenue and is therefore a need-based option. In order to qualify for Social Security Income, you must be over 65 years old and disabled or legally blind. In addition, if is also required that you have no more than $3,000 in income and resources.
If you feel as though you qualify for disability benefits, initial applications can be sent to the Social Security Administration either online, over the phone, or in person at one of their offices. Because of the tremendous amount of applications the Social Security Administration receives, more than 60% of applications are denied in the first stages.
Many applications are denied because an applicant did not prove that their disability was severe enough to qualify. Being familiar with the disability application process and having more than enough documentation to prove your disability will help save you from being denied. Have sufficient medical records and other documents from throughout your disability, and you should be able to qualify for benefits.
