What Do I Need to File for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Filing for disability benefits is a very stressful undertaking. You have become unable to work, your financial situation is difficult and you’re extremely worried about the future, for you and your family. The application process is difficult and there is a lot of information you are required to obtain and provide. Proceeding correctly doesn’t guarantee you will win but making mistakes along the way can doom your application to failure. If you want to avoid many of the pitfalls and frustrations of filing for Social Security Disability you can use these tips to make things a little easier.

File Immediately

Since the application process is lengthy (four to six months or more to get an initial decision), don’t delay your filing. You can apply for benefits online. Do it as soon as you have all of the records required, otherwise, you’ll feel the delay in your pocketbook. Unless you have substantial savings, you’ll want to get income coming in as soon as possible.

Avoiding Denial

Your goal is to follow the process to a tee in order to avoid denial. Considering very few applications are approved at the first filing, you should be prepared to run into issues. The most common reasons for denial are incomplete and inaccurate applications. If your application is unclear, the people processing it (called adjudicators) will have a lot of questions that not only can lead to denial, but also delay. The more clear and correct information you can provide, the shorter the process is likely to be.

By providing the necessary information about your medical history from the start, you will avoid issues and reduce the chances of denial. You’ll need complete records of both your full medical history and specific disabling condition. Social Security can only work with what you tell them. If you are not complete and very specific, important information may not be reviewed or even considered.

Include all relevant information that will show the severity of your disability. With all the proper information provided the review of your application will be quicker as the adjudicators can determine quickly how your condition is impacting your ability to work and care for yourself. Without an understanding of how your life is impacted, the administration team might not think you really need to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

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If you are denied, you can appeal your claim. The first appeal is called a “reconsideration” and it is very similar to the first step in the process. Reconsideration decisions are generally made within about four months. If you’re denied a second time, you’ll have to request a hearing, where the wait can be quite long and frustrating, often more than one year and, in some areas, closer to eighteen months or more.

Eligibility

Of course, part of the challenge for the Social Security Administration (SSA) is making sure your condition adheres to their definition of “disability.” They consider a disability to be a severe impairment that will cause issues for at least a year, or worse, lead to death. To be eligible you have to have paid FICA taxes for five of the last 10 years (although there are certain exceptions to this rule that an experienced advocate can explain).

Budget Now

To avoid financial difficulty while waiting for your case to be reviewed, make sure you have a realistic budget in place. Reassess your spending habits and cut all unnecessary spending. Your benefits will not replace your usual income, which means even when you start to receive payments, you’ll still be tight for money. Explore possible services that can help if you are in dire straits. Services could assist with food, housing and utilities if you need help.

Use an Advocate

Your best bet is to work with an advocate to represent you during the filing process. A licensed social security advocate understands exactly what is required to navigate the process and obtain positive outcomes. They will also alleviate the stress of gathering and providing so much information so you can focus on getting well. They will make sure there are no misunderstandings or misrepresentations on your application so you won’t run into inquiries that will slow down the process.

You’ll still need to get everything ready for your rep, from your date of birth to your medical history. Before your first meeting or call, do your best to put together all available information regarding your medical condition, names, addresses and specialties of your medical providers, a complete list of your medications that relate to your disability and any medical reports you might have including operative reports, radiology studies (i.e. X Rays or MRI’s), etc. If you do have everything at your fingertips, don’t worry. Part of the advocate’s job is to make certain that all necessary information is provided to the Social Security Administration.

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Be Prepared to Answer Questions

As with any government application, you will be expected to provide a lot of information. However, in this case, you should be prepared to answer a lot more questions when you visit your local social security office. Some examples might include:

• If you’ve applied for Social Security benefits or other forms of supplemental income before
• If you were active in military service before 1968 and as a result received benefits from a military or Federal civilian agency
• If you are qualified to receive a pension or annuity due to employment with the Federal or state government
• Information about your current and past spouses
• Other sources of income since you became unable to work
• Criminal record related questions including outstanding warrants
• Information about any workers’ compensation or similar benefits you filed, or intend to file

It’s easy to get flustered when being asked questions. Having an idea of what to expect can help you stay calm and answer truthfully.

Applying for disability insurance is never easy. However, with the proper support and preparation, you will help speed up the process so you can start receiving benefits you are entitled to.

Let Princeton Disability Advocates Help

If you live in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Eastern Indiana and need help, why not give us a call to discuss your situation? We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case and an opportunity to get to know us. If we do work together, know that we’ll only get a fee if we win your case.

We’re here to help!