FAQs on Social Security Disability Benefits


At any stage of your life- unfortunately you may encounter a struggling medical condition. If the problem is severe enough, it may even reduce your working ability too. As a result- your income becomes affected directly. Under this circumstance of financial hardship, you may look for some kind of economical help which can relieve you a bit, lighten your burden. This is where the social security disability benefit scheme may co-operate you! The sole purpose of this government program is to support disabled people financially when their medical condition is reducing their regular income. Therefore, when a person becomes disabled, he/she should apply for disability benefits right away.




However, applying for disability benefit is relatively complex. So before you start applying, you should have some basic knowledge about the overall process.

When should I apply for disability benefits?
If you do not delay your application, the earlier you may receive your benefits as well. So, you should apply as soon as possible once you become disabled.

What types of documents do I need to submit?
The purpose of documents you are required to submit along with your application- is to prove your claim of disability. Therefore, all types of relevant medical documents are needed to be submitted. Also you need to submit some non-medical documents like your social security number, proof of your age, summary of your work etc.

Do I need to hire social security attorney before I apply for benefits?  
It is not essential to hire an attorney. From the official website of Social Security Administration (SSA), you could get all the information that you would have wanted for completing your application process. Also, as it is a government site, the information provided there- is absolutely reliable. However, hiring an attorney may help you manage your application submission process more efficiently, as applying for disability benefit is a relatively complex process. Also, he/she could handle your social security disability hearing more professionally as an experienced person.

When can I collect disability and social security benefit for that?
Once you submit your application- a state agency named Disability Discrimination Services (DDS) investigates whether your disability claim is credible and legitimate, or not. If they are convinced that your claim is well documented and legitimate, then your application for benefit would be accepted and you will start receiving the benefits soon.

What if my application is denied?
If DDS finds your claim as not credible enough, and rejects your application, you can appeal against that decision.

If I apply, is there any chance that my family would receive any benefit too?
The answer is- yes! Under certain conditions, your family may also become eligible for receiving the social security disability benefits. The main beneficiaries may include your spouse, your child and in some cases even the grandchild of the applicant.
How do I apply for social security disability benefits?
You may apply for the disability benefits by e-mail, telephone or may personally hand over the application to a nearby social security field office. From - www.ssa.gov you may also apply on-line.



From the same website, you will be able to know more about the entire system. Hope you have a successful application then and good luck with that!

Comments