Filing for Disability Benefits

If you have determined that you meet the social security disability requirements, and want to know how to file for social security disability here are some options:

• apply for benefits on the phone
• make an appointment to apply with your local social security offices. 

You can also file for social security benefits online.  One of the great advantages of using the online service is that it you apply at your own pace.  You can print preliminary social security application information that will tell you what type of information you need to gather to complete your application.  You can save the application and return to it when you have the medical information that you need.  This is very helpful in disability and ssi cases if you see many doctors or go to various hospitals.  The disability application asks for all of your medical information. 

It will also direct you as to what information you may need to send into Social Security.  Once you have filed the application, Social Security will contact you to verify information, to request additional information or to set up appointments with Social Security doctors if they do not have enough information.

Disability Determination Services

Once you have completed the initial application, your claim is sent to the Disability Determination Services Office in your state.  This agency actually makes the initial decision on your claim using Social Security Rules and regulations.  If you have to submit additional medical information, it should be submitted to the Disability Determination Services Office rather than the local social security office for faster processing.

Timelines for Filing Social Security Disability

• initial application: It can take three to five months for a decision
• reconsideration: three to five months from the date of the request
• ALJ Hearing: six months to a year or more, check the SSA website for information on the hearing backlog.
• Appeal Council Review: three to six months
• Federal Court Review: uncertain, depends on the federal court docket in your jurisdiction

How to Make the Application Process Smoother

Social Security is an information driven system.  The decisions they make on your claim are dependent upon the information you supply.  Get as many of your records together as you can before applying.  Do not be afraid to question answers you receive.  Like any bureaucracy, Social Security makes mistakes. You also have the right to see your records.  You can look at them to determine if information is missing or incomplete

Getting Legal Help for a Disability Claim

You do have the right to have representation concerning any aspect of social security.  Your representative can be an attorney or other qualified person.  You may not need a lawyer when filing the initial application but might need an advocate to help you with the application.  There are agencies that can help you.  AARP is a good resource for issues dealing with retirement.  For Disability, related advocacy the National Disability Rights Network (www.napas.org) can direct you to services that are available in your state.  Legal representation is advisable when dealing with the technical nature of disability claims or issues involving eligibility for any Social Security program

Summary

Find out what Social Security programs for which you may be eligible.  Use Social Security’s toll free number or the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) online.  File your application online, at your local Social Security office or by phone.  There are agencies in every state that can assist you with applying for benefits.  Legal counsel is advisable if a claim is denied or if there is questions eligibility or involving disability benefits.