Business and law

Most people do not think much about applying for social security disability, many believe this is not a topic they have to worry about. However, statistics show that there is a 3 out of 10 chance you will become disabled before retirement age. This alone is a good reason for even healthy individuals to learn the basics about social security disability insurance and the process involved in making an application.

Waiting

One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to social security disability is waiting to apply for benefits. Some people will wait months or even years before applying for benefits, which can limit the total amount awarded. Your monthly amount will be set depending on your work history but back pay awards will only go back to the date of your application. It is best to apply within a month of your disability as social security has a mandatory waiting period of six months from when they determine your disability began. This means if you were disabled in February, and approved in September your benefits would only go back to July.

How to Apply

Once you are determined to be disabled, you have several options for applying. The most obvious choice of course is making a trip to your local social security office. Bring along your proof of identification and any medical documentation you have on your current condition. There may be other documents you need, but you will be given the opportunity to get those together while your case is being reviewed. Many times all you will need is a list of doctors and a signed release form so the social security administration can access your records.

You can also apply online or over the phone. For many people, especially those with mobility issues these are fantastic options. The entire process can be handled electronically and through the mail.

Assistance

Do you need an attorney to apply for social security disability? The short answer is no, but statics do show that applicants who have an attorney have a better success rate than those who go it alone. Whether you choose to start out with an attorney or not will depend a great deal on your situation, for example if you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you likely will not need an attorney to assist you in getting approved. However, if you are dealing with debilitating back pain, fibromyalgia or a host of other issues an attorney can help you cut through the red tape.

Disability attorneys have worked with the social security administration long enough to know exactly what type of proof they require and how to avoid certain pitfalls that can lead to a denial. For this service, they collect a decent fee, sometimes 25% or more of your disability back pay. Of course, if you lose, they receive nothing at all.

Conclusion

Disability can happen to anyone at any time and when it does, you need to know how to navigate the process of social security disability claims. One thing you should know up front is that even in the best of circumstances this can be a lengthy process, expect to wait several months for approval and the issuance of your first check. It is also important to note that if you are disabled, but have not worked long enough to receive social security you could benefit from other federal programs such as supplemental security income.