How to Make a Social Security Disability Insurance Claim

If you have recently lost your job due to an illness or disability and are a US citizen, you can file an application for social security disability insurance. Before we dig deeper, let’s first understand what social security disability insurance truly is. As the name suggests, individuals who are unable to work due to some form of illness or disability are granted social security disability insurance or DI. Upon getting the insurance, these individuals are given monthly benefits in the form of money that lasts for a minimum of one year. Just like older citizens of the United States take advantage of the Social Security program’s retirement benefits, disabled citizens can claim a monthly payout based on their past earnings and the number of members in their family.

This program is floated as the Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI program. To receive your claim, you must file an application. Even if some individuals are eligible for this insurance, they do not gain any benefit just because they are unable to decipher the entire process. 

Here is how you can make a social security disability insurance claim –

Check your Criteria for Eligibility

This insurance is extended to individuals with some form of disability or a medical condition that does not let you work for at least a year. Unlike other programs that provide money to those with a partial disability, the SSDI program adheres to a very strict definition of disability. To file the application, you must first go through a work test based on your age during your disability, followed by a work test that proves that you have worked under a job title approved by Social Security. Individuals with blindness can show only the duration of the work test.

Apply Online

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to file your application is online. Go to https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability and apply. Before that, create your Social Security account by answering a few questions needed for verification. When answering these questions, keep certain things prepared such as your cell phone, credit card, tax forms, and W-2. You will also be asked to provide some personal information, which includes –

• Full name
• Date and Place of Birth
• Details regarding marriage and divorce
• Details about children
• Details about your employer (current and 2 years ago)
• U.S. military service
• Education and training details
• Self-employment details
• List of medical conditions
• Direct deposit
• Details about your hospital, doctors, clinics, and healthcare professionals

You will also have to feed your social security number. You can refer to the Adult Disability Checklist and print it to prepare your personal data.

Call the Social Security Office

Another way to make an appointment for this application is to call on their toll-free number, which is 1-800-772-1213. You can then make an appointment to visit your local Social Security office where you will be interviewed for an hour. Refer to the Disability Starter Kit to prepare for the interview.

Hire an Attorney

If the entire process seems ambiguous and confusing, hire an attorney to help you file your claim. Even though concerned lawyers demand some money, you get the surety of receiving your social security disability claim. California is bubbling with experienced lawyers who can help you with this complicated process. If you live in Sacramento, you are in luck. The attorneys at laportelawfirm.com/our-locations/sacramento/ recommend hiring a law firm that is experienced in this discipline as the city has several law firms. These experts will take care of all legal paperwork, suggest the right doctors, and explain the process in detail.

Processing Time

The application is forwarded to the Disability Determination Services in your state, which will decide your status. Depending on your personal data, the processing period can take three to five months. If the office misses any documents or raises any questions, they will contact you. Meanwhile, you can check your application status on your portal. The decision will be delivered via mail.  

In case your application is rejected and you disagree with the outcome, you can demand a revaluation. You will be given the reason for the rejection and the time period within which you can file the request. If you are granted the disability benefits but are retiring soon, your benefits will fall under the retirement category but you will receive the same amount of money every month. In case the applicant is a disabled widow or a disabled child, the benefits will vary.

In case you suffer from a disability and are unable to work or make ends meet, you must file a claim for the SSDI program. If you meet all criteria and follow the procedure with scrutiny, you can benefit from the program, which will make your life easier.