Social Security Title II Disability Benefits
According to the Social Security Administration, three out of every 10 20-year-old workers are likely to become disabled before reaching retirement age. The agency's disability insurance program is designed to support those whose disabilities are life-threatening and/or expected to last at least a year. In some cases, the program may also provide benefits to certain family members of the disabled individual.
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Significance
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The Social Security Disability Benefits Program ensures that a worker who becomes disabled before the age of retirement will have access to benefits he became entitled to during the years when he was able to work. While the claims process is lengthy and complex, you can obtain extensive advice and support from Social Security officials. If necessary, you may also be represented by an attorney or other knowledgeable person of your choice.
Types
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The basic type of benefit provided by the program is a monthly payment to the disabled individual. Eligibility for this payment is based on the worker's age when he became disabled and the duration of his previous employment. For example, a disabled person over 30 years old will generally need to have worked for at least two years to qualify.
The amount received by an eligible applicant will depend on his average earnings during the course of his prior working life.
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Features
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Social Security disability benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis. Compile all required information and prepare the best possible claim. However, officials can provide detailed instructions and educational materials. Also, it is the agency's responsibility to help you if you need assistance with identifying or locating medical records and other documentation required to establish that your disability is legitimate and creates an insurmountable obstacle to doing your previous work.
Time Frame
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It is time-consuming to gather the documentation and complete the many forms required by Social Security decision makers. From the time a claim is submitted, be prepared to wait three to five months for a determination. For this reason, act promptly -- for example, by contacting your health care provider to request the release of records as quickly as possible. Certain parts of the process, like the initial interview with agency officials, can be done over the phone to eliminate unnecessary travel time.
Considerations
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Social Security officials must provide and explain their decision to each applicant in writing. You may disagree with some aspect of the determination, like the severity of your disability or the amount of benefits you are owed. In that case, you have the right to contest it, with or without an attorney. The agency can provide guidelines and forms necessary to file an appeal. If officials request extra medical information, they may be required to pay the costs.
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