Each year almost 9 million employees and 2 million family members receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The value of SSDI benefits is significant. It offers necessary funds to those who find themselves unable to continue earning because of any disability.
These funds help the individuals support themselves and their families till they recover enough to join the workforce again.
Social Security Disability is an earned benefit that is available to Americans who have a significant work history and have paid a portion of their paycheck to this program.
Once someone’s SSDI benefits are accepted, they receive a portion of their last paycheck for a limited period. This ensures that even if they are not working, they are able to keep themselves and their family afloat.
So, How Does It Work?
To be eligible for SSDI benefits, an individual needs to have a recent work history. In addition, the individual needs to prove that the current disability is preventing them from continuing their work. The tenure during which the individual can’t work needs to be at least 12 months.
In addition, the individual needs to prove that they have been active 50% of the time in the last 10 years, that is, 5 years.
Once the individual proves all the factors, they can enjoy the benefits. While these are only a few things you need to meet, there is a complete list of strict criteria that one needs to meet before their application can be accepted.
We have already discussed the details in this article. However, if you want to know more about its legal aspects, an Experienced Paducah personal injury lawyer can help you.
Who Can Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits?
You must understand that not anyone can apply for the SSDI benefits. There are strict criteria that an individual has to meet to reap the benefits.
The requirements are –
- You need to be at least 18 years of age.
- You are not receiving any benefits on your current Social Security Records.
- You are unable to work because of a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months.
- You have not been denied your disability benefits in the last 60 days.
While you are applying for disability benefits, your medical papers and records need to be on point. Even the slightest error and confusion in medical records can result in your application being denied.
Information Needed To Apply For The Benefits
We have already mentioned that even a little document error can result in your disability benefits application is denied. Therefore, we suggest you have the following information when applying for disability benefits.
Information About You
- The first thing you need to provide a document about yourself is your identification. A voter card, driving license, or Social Security number will help.
- Once you are identified, you are required to submit the same documents for your spouse or former spouse. In addition, you should also know the date and place where you got married or divorced.
- Name and date of birth of your children.
- Finally, your bank details that clearly show what your financial status is. This information is needed in case you want the deposit made electronically.
Information About Your Medical Condition
Information about your medical condition plays an important role in influencing the administrative judge. Hence, ensure that you are giving all the medical records related to the benefits.
- Name, address, and contact details of someone who knows you personally and give further insight into your medical condition.
- Detailed information and medical records about your injuries, illness, and disability.
- The medical information must include names, addresses, contact details, patients ID numbers, doctor names, date of treatment, and the name of the hospital where the treatment has taken place.
- The prescription you are using.
- Medical test reports and the name of the individual who sent the reports to you.
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Information About Your Work
Now coming to the main part. The detrimental part will decide how much money you can get from the disability benefits program.
You need to attach the following information along with your claim.
- The amount you earned last year and this year.
- The name and address of the employers you have worked for in the past.
- A copy of your Social Security Statement.
- If you have been offered military service before 1968, what are the beginning and end dates?
- List of jobs that you have done in the last 15 years before becoming disabled.
- Information about any benefits related to workers’ compensation.
How To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits?
Whether you apply online, by phone, or in person, the disability benefits program follows the following general process.
Step 1: Gather all the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you download the Adult Disability Checklist. This checklist will help you guide what document you need to complete the application. And if that is too much for you, we have already listed down all the documents in this guide.
Step 2: With all the documents attached to the application form, submit your application.
Step 3: The officials will review the application and determine whether or not you meet the basic requirements.
Step 4: Once that is done, the official will evaluate your current work activity.
Step 5: After the application is processed, the application is forwarded to the Disability Determination Center. This state agency makes the final decision about offering disability benefits.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you have applied for the disability benefits program, the government goes through all the documents you have shared. If everything is good, you will receive a confirmation of your application electrically or via mail.
If the documents are lacking in any way, the office will contact you for more information or documentation.
The official will also inform you whether or not other family members are able to receive the benefits, such as your spouse or parents.
Once everything is processed, the decision is mailed to the applicant.
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