The American government defines a disability as a condition that prevents you from working, and that is on their list of disabling medical conditions. If this definition applies to you, you can work with your lawyer to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Security Income (SSI). If you’re unsure how to begin filing a claim, the following information will get you started. 

How Do You Apply?

To start, you’ll fill out an application for disability benefits and submit it along with medical evidence and other necessary paperwork. It can take anywhere from 90 to 120 days to process your application. Although it’s unlikely that your application will be accepted in this early stage, working with your lawyer to ensure you have all the supporting evidence will increase your chances.

What Happens If Your Application Is Denied?

If your initial application is denied, you have 60 days to submit a Request For Reconsideration. 

Before submitting your Request For Reconsideration, review the reason for the initial denial and supply the requested information. If your Request For Reconsideration is also denied, you have another 60 days to file for a Request For Hearing. Your hearing will occur before an administrative law judge. At this level, your chances of approval are much greater.

During this process, your lawyer will present and defend your case. You will be questioned by the judge and a vocational expert. In some cases, a medical expert will be asked to testify about whether or not your disability keeps you from doing your job.

You’ll likely receive your decision within a few months. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision and a Notice of Award. If you’re denied, you can appeal before the Appeals Council. They’ll likely make one of the following decisions. They will either deny your request for review, and you will have 60 days to file an appeal, or they will send your case back to the administrative law judge for review and another hearing. They may also decide to award you disability benefits immediately. 

What’s the Difference Between SSI & SSDI?

SSI is a needs-based program. In addition to providing medical evidence, you must also provide proof of income and other assets, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and cars. The maximum benefits you’ll receive with SSI is $778 a month for an individual and $1,175 monthly for a couple. 

SSDI is granted based on your work history. You need to have worked enough and earned the required number of credits to qualify. For most people, working five of the last ten years, full-time, is sufficient. This would equal around 40 credits. However, these credit requirements will vary based on age. 

Get legal advice to make for an easier disability claims process at Stow Garvin & Glenn in Gainesville, GA. For over five decades, their experienced lawyers have helped disabled workers to get the financial support they deserve. They personalize their plan of action based on each client’s needs, and won't be satisfied with the easy settlement. Ensure your financial security by calling (770) 534-5265. You can read customer testimonials online.