veterans lawyer

Q: When is a person eligible for social security disability?

A: As soon as your injury prevents you from working, you can file for social security disability insurance. You are eligible if your injury will keep you from working for at least 12 months. 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. If you are awarded social security disability insurance, you may be eligible for retroactive payments. 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: Where do I submit an application for social security disability benefits?

A: To submit a claim for social security disability, first contact your local Social Security office or apply online via the main Social Security web site. You will then be scheduled for an appointment with a representative assigned to your case. 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. If you are unsure if you qualify for SSDI (social security disability insurance) or SSI (supplemental security income), your claims rep can help you. 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. In addition to applying correctly and having a thorough statement from your doctor, assure that your medical records have been given to your claims representative. 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.)