Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program, administered by the Social Security Office and designed to help people who are unable to work due to a disability. Note that this program is different than long and short term disability insurance and Worker's Comp, which are administered by private companies through your employer. It is also different than Supplemental Security Income, which is also administered through the SSA but is a welfare program designed to help people who demonstrate extreme financial hardship, and different from regular Social Security, which is paid to anyone over 65 who put money into the system for later retirement.
To apply for Social Security Disability benefits/insurance, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/3368 to fill out an application and then return it to your local social security office, which can be found at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp. To fill out the Social Security Disability application, you will need your social security number, your birth certificate, the names, addresses and phone numbers of case workers, doctors, clinics and hospitals that cared for you, along with the dates of care.
Include the names and dosages of medication you're taking, medical records from doctors, therapists, hospitals and clinics, laboratory test results, a summary of your work experience and a copy of your most recent W2. In addition to this basic form, you will also need to fill out other forms about your medical condition, your ability to work and forms giving doctors permission to send information to the government regarding your condition. Since the process can be complicated, some people prefer to schedule an appointment with a caseworker to fill out a Disability Starter Kit at the nearest office by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Some people are confused about the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are both administered through the Social Security Administration. The SSDI program is paid by workers and employers and to be eligible, the disabled worker must have worked enough years to gain credits. For instance, someone who becomes disabled before age 24 must have worked at least 1.5 years out of the previous three. Someone who becomes disabled after age 31 must have worked 5/10 of the previous years to be eligible. In some cases, exemptions are made for widows whose deceased spouse worked and paid into the system, or for children with cerebral palsy or other childhood disabilities whose parents paid their taxes. On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income benefits are payable to disabled adults or children who have limited income and this money is financed through general tax revenues.
Approximately 36% of all Social Security Disability Insurance applications get initially approved. If you are denied, you may fill out a social security disability appeal at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal (within 60 days of receiving your notice). You'll then be subjected to four levels of appeal. During reconsideration, the social security representative will take a fresh look at your case and any new files that support your case. About 14% of the cases get approved during this stage. Next, if needed, there may be a hearing where you may plead your case before an administrative law judge. Hearings are generally much more successful, with 64% of cases approved, usually because SSDI benefits attorneys are present. If you are still denied, you can take your case to the Appeals Council, where 33% of the cases are approved, and finally to your federal district court.
Just enter your name and email to get your FREE Disability Benefits gift immediately !
|
Technorati Tags: Disability Benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance
|
