subject: Terms To Understand While Filing For Social Security Disability Benefits [print this page] The process of applying for Social Security Disability Benefits can be tiring and overwhelming. The process in itself is complex and the huge paper work that comes with does not help either. Getting your head around these forms and documents can be challenging to say the least; the best practice is to seek the help of a Social Security Lawyer. Even if you do seek their help, its always helpful to learn some specific terms that are commonly used in the process - they are referred to as jargons in general. So here are few.
Appeals Appeals are offered to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Insurance (SSI) claimants at all levels except the last. The first appeal is generally after being denied in the initial claim and you go for reconsideration. The second claim happens before an administrative law judge, if your reconsideration was rejected. The third appeal happens when the Appeals Council hears your plea after the ALJ has rejected your plea. The variation of the term can be used in appeals deadline and appeals council etc.
Back Pay - Considering how long the process of disability approval takes, the claimant is paid past due payments as well, hence named back pay.
Cessation It refers to a discontinuation of benefits for a person who was once approved to receive disability benefits; the common reason is not meeting the medical or non-medical program requirements set by the SSA.
Disability Claim This is the first or initial claim made by you asking the SSA for benefits under the SSDI or SSI. The process requires filing a claim and then meeting with a SSA representative or doctor for an examination.
Disability Denial The rejection you receive after your initial claim is referred to as disability denial, you can however apply again and take other courses of action to have the decision overturned.
Dire Need This is similar crying out to the SSA and asking for immediate help when in you not in a position to take care of your basic needs like food, medication etc.
Exhibit list When your appeal come up for hearing in front of a judge, an exhibit list is submitted. It is a listing of everything contained in a disability claimant's Social Security file.
