How to Sign Up for Disability Insurance While Unemployed

Disability is a medical condition that prevents you from working.

Disability insurance is a program paid for through salary reductions paid into Social Security taxes. A person must pass both the "recent work test" and the "duration of work test" to qualify for benefits. This is determined by the number of years a person worked and paid Social Security taxes before the beginning of the disability. Once a person has met minimum guidelines for disability insurance, he can apply for benefits regardless of whether he is working or unemployed.

Instructions

1. Go to SocialSecurity.gov and review the qualifications required for the recent work test as well as the duration of work test. These are based on age, how many years you have been working and the onset of the disability.

2. Compile you case history, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, doctor contact information and any caseworkers assigned to you. Include all medicines you are taking, the dosage and frequency. Compile a summary of your work history with the type of work you did and get your most recent tax return or W-2 form.

3. Apply for benefits on the website or call for a telephone appointment at 800-772-1213. Appointments take approximately an hour.

Tips & Warnings

• Applying for benefits is not a guarantee you will be given disability payments. The Social Security Administration reviews each case based on severity, ability to work and ability to do other types of work. A letter is sent to you explaining the decision and when payments will start if they are approved--often within six weeks. The process can be delayed with incomplete applications.

References

• Social Security: Apply for Disability Benefits

Resources

• Social Security: Disability Benefits Tests