When Can Someone Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Q: When is a person eligible for social security disability?
A: You can apply for social security disability benefits when you can no longer work, due to your condition. To qualify, the condition must be expected to prevent you from working for at least a year. As it often takes months for an initial decision to be made regarding a claim, make sure to submit your application for social security disability insurance as early as you can. You can apply for back payments for benefits, if you are approved for social security disability benefits. Regardless of how quickly your application is processed, you will not be able to receive benefits until 6 months after your date of onset. You cannot receive back payments for that waiting period.
Q: How do I apply for social security disability insurance?
A: You can apply for social security disability benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling Social Security at 800.772.1213. An interview with your claims representative will be scheduled. That initial appointment can usually be conducted by phone or in person, dependent upon what is easiest for you. Your claims representative will be your point of contact through the application process and will assure that you fill out the appropriate paperwork. Your representative will also help you determine whether you are eligible for social security disability insurance or supplemental security income. That representative can assist you with any submission for retroactive payments of social security disability, if applicable.
Q: Is there anything I can do to increase the likelihood that my social security disability claim will be approved?
A: Many claims for social security disability are denied during the initial review process. You can, however, improve the likelihood that your application is approved. The first task is to simply make sure you applied correctly and completely. Keeping contact with the claims representative assigned to your case can help with this task. The next step is to assure that your doctor is on your side and backs your decision to file for social security disability benefits. By providing a comprehensive statement regarding your condition, your doctor will give your claim a solid foundation. The third thing you can do is to make sure your most recent medical records have been submitted for your claim. Waiting for requested medical files is the number one reason most claims are delayed. Lastly, be cooperative, meet deadlines and check in on your file. Finally, make sure you do not miss deadlines for paperwork, keep in touch with your claim representative to know where your file is in the process and always be courteous (no matter how frustrated you may get at times.)

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