How to Get Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is paid to individuals who have worked in recent years. Usually, you must have worked 5 of the last 10 years to be eligible. If you have been disabled and are unable to work for at least 1 year, you should apply for Social Security Disability. The claims process can be long and frustrating, so start the process as soon as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine if you are eligible for SSDI by logging on to the Disability Claims website (see Resources below) and clicking on "Quick Claim Review." Submit the personal information, and a representative will contact you by email or phone to let you know if you may be eligible for benefits.
2. Log on to Social Security Online and click on "Social Security Disability." There you'll find all of the necessary steps to apply.
3. Review the Adult Disability Starter Kit on the Social Security website. This will answer any common questions and help you gather information that you will need to fill out your application.
4. Fill out the application for Social Security benefits. You can either fill out the application online or have it sent to you, fill it out and send it back.
5. Fill out the Adult Disability Report. You will be required to sign to give your doctor permission to send information about your disability to Social Security.
6. Wait to hear from Social Security as to whether your claim has been accepted or denied. The majority of claims are denied in the initial stage.
7. If your claim is denied, it goes to the next stage: Disability Reconsideration, where 20 percent of applicants win their claims. If the claim is still denied, the applicant has one last chance and schedules a hearing with an administration law judge. This hearing is informal with the judge, his secretary and a vocational expert relating to the applicant's job function.

Tips & Warnings

• It is wise to have a Social Security Disability attorney represent you. Most attorneys will help with all stages of the claims process, from evaluating your claim through filling out the application to investigating all medical documentation.