Once the decision has been made to apply for Social Security disability benefits it is time to start learning some basics about Social Security disability benefits. Learning about the process prior to applying is helpful to understand how Social Security makes determinations and how to deal with potential issues that come up during the processing of a claim.
Below is some basic information about initially applying for benefits, appealing any unfavorable decisions and other important things to think about during a claim while it is adjudicated.
The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured.” This means that you worked long enough – and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same. If you meet the non-medical requirements, monthly benefits are paid if you have a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death.
The Application Process
Whether you apply online, by phone, or in person, the disability benefits application process follows these general steps:
- You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the Adult Disability Checklist. It will help you gather the information you need to complete the application.
- You complete and submit your application.
- We review your application to make sure you meet some basic requirements for disability benefits.
- We check whether you worked enough years to qualify.
- We evaluate any current work activities.
- We process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
- This State agency makes the disability determination decision.
After You Have Applied
Once we receive your application, we’ll review it and contact you if we have questions. We might request additional documents from you before we can proceed You’ll receive a letter in the mail with our decision. If you included information about other family members when you applied, we’ll let you know if they may be able to receive benefits on your record.
Appealing
You have the right to appeal any decision we make about whether you’re entitled to benefits. You must request an appeal in writing within 60 days of receiving our decision. There are four levels of appeal:
- A hearing before an administrative law judge.
- A review by Social Security’s Appeals Council.
- A review by the federal courts.
Some other things to remember during a disability claim are that the process is not a short one. Typically, most Social Security disability cases take well over a year before a final decision is made after appeal attempts. Responding to Social Security requests is also an important factor in the successfulness of a claim. Make sure that all correspondence from Social Security is responded to within the time limits set by the agency.
