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Certain diagnoses qualify as "disabled" by government standards. Image Credit: Melodi T/sxc.huSocial Security disability is one of the largest federal government assistance programs for people with disabilities. You must have worked enough years and have paid enough into the program through your payroll checks in order to be considered "insured" and eligible for benefits. While there is no financial need requirement, you must have a verifiable medical diagnosis that qualifies under the government's guidelines to be considered disabled. - If you become disabled before the age of 24, you should have worked at least 1.5 years during the three years prior to becoming disabled to qualify for benefits. If disabled after age 24 but before 31, you must have worked for at least half of the time between the age of 21 and the time you became disabled. If it's after the age of 31, you must have worked at least five years out of the 10 prior to becoming disabled.
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You need to get your paperwork together to apply. Image Credit: Sarah Williams/sxc.huIn order to apply for Social Security disability, you will need your Social Security card and birth certificate. You'll also need to prove your most recent income---so a W-2 form for most, or a recent tax return for self-employed people. Plus, you'll need all medical records, including laboratory and test results, doctor and therapist records, and a record of all medicines you take, including dosage. Plus, you need to provide a work record. -
A five-step process determines whether you qualify. Image Credit: Leonardo Tote/sxc.huA five-step process determines whether you're qualified for disability insurance. If you're still working and making above a certain amount, you won't qualify. Your condition must be considered severe by government standards. Your condition must be on the approved list of impairments. You must be able to prove you can no longer perform the work you did in the past. And finally, you must prove that you cannot do other work that could have the same or similar income potential. - When the decision on your disability claim is made, you'll receive a letter explaining it. If you're approved, you'll be told the amount of your benefit and when to expect payment. If denied, you'll be given the explanation for the decision. If your claim for Social Security disability is denied, you are legally within your rights to appeal the decision. You may choose to be represented by an attorney at the appeal.
