Things to Consider before Applying for Disability Benefits

Normally, a person contributes to their Social Security benefits throughout their lifetime during the course of employment. However, there are instances where the unexpected occurs, and a serious medical condition or injury prevents a person from maintaining gainful employment.

When this happens, you may be able to support yourself and your family through Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. If you do not meet these requirements for SSDI, you may be able to pursue Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead.

Of course, there are certain prerequisites you must meet before you can qualify for these types of benefits. If you are eligible to receive benefits under this disability compensation program, you will receive monthly payments either indefinitely or until you are able to work again.

While the process may seem complicated, our team has years of experience dealing with a wide range of disability claims. Below, we outline some of the things you should consider before applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

1. Make Sure You Qualify.

While this may seem obvious, understanding what makes a person eligible for SSDI benefits according to the SSA’s standards is often the biggest hurdle for some people. Typically, there are three criteria you must meet before you can become eligible for this type of disability compensation.

First, you must have a lasting medical condition so severe that it prevents you from doing the work you used to do or from adjusting to other types of work. Second, a physical or mental impairment must have lasted or be expected to last at least one year or to result in death. Finally, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by the SSA to receive disability benefits.

There are many resources available for calculating whether you are eligible, but these are the main elements that will determine your likelihood of receiving SSDI benefits. If you still have questions about what to consider before applying for this type of disability benefit, be sure to connect with one of our team members.

2. Prepare Your Documentation.

Like any government-provided benefit, submitting the wrong forms or incomplete information could cost a person their claim. Basic information is required in any disability benefits claim, such as date and place of birth, full name, and Social Security number. More complicated information could include places of major life events like marriages or deaths, in addition to any relevant information from banks and other financial institutions.

Your medical condition must be documented, and the contact information of someone who knows about your condition (i.e. a doctor or specialist) should be included in your application as well. Dates of tests, the types of medications you’re taking, and patient ID numbers for hospitals you’ve attended may also be needed.

To determine whether you meet the work credit requirement, the SSA will review your W-2 forms and other tax returns relating to your employment for the last year or more. Pay stubs, settlement agreements, award letters, and other proof of temporary or permanent workers’ compensation benefits may also be reviewed during an SSDI claim.

Of course, the documentation needed may differ based on the variability of a person’s disability. To ensure that all the necessary documentation is included in your SSDI claim, you should contact an experienced attorney from our team to discuss your case.

3. Getting Your Benefits Will Take Time.

Many who are in the process of receiving SSDI or SSI benefits have noted that it takes time. While every applicant’s process to obtain disability benefits is different and unique, these are still government-provided benefits, meaning all eligible claimants should expect bureaucratic delays.

Meetings with specialists, Social Security agents, and preparing the necessary paperwork for a disability benefits claim can be tedious and stressful without qualified legal guidance. While you can reduce the processing time of your claim by filing parts of it online, some aspects of the timeline are out of your control because they rely on the decision of a government agency. Disability benefits may also have certain waiting periods beginning from the onset of a person’s disability to ensure that their condition is not expected to improve for at least one year.

If you or someone you love requires financial compensation during this waiting period, there may be several options available to you, such as public assistance or financial aid from the Department of Social Services. A knowledgeable hearing claims advocate from our firm can help you understand which SSD benefits you may be eligible to receive to alleviate financial stressors brought on by a disability.

Contact an Attorney Today

One of the most important things you should consider before applying for disability benefits from the SSA is the advantage of hiring an experienced attorney. While it is possible for you to pursue a disability claim on your own, you may not understand the nuances of the SSA’s eligibility criteria. With one of our dedicated hearing claims advocates on your side, you can trust that all of the proper documentation will be sent to the Social Security Administration.

If you or someone you love is thinking of pursuing SSDI or SSI benefits, the Khaki Law Firm can help. Our advocates understand how difficult a disability claim can be on someone, and we strive to guide our clients to pursue the best results possible. If you receive a denial from the SSA, let a seasoned legal professional from our firm fight for your right to disability compensation in an appeal.

Whether you have questions about your pending claim or would like to begin an application today, our team is ready to assist you. Call our intake team today to get started.