How to Get Approved for Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security provides monthly benefits for workers who become disabled and are unable to continue to work. The amount a worker receives is based on his work history. Qualifying for Social Security disability benefits is sometimes more involved than simply filling out the application form. In many cases a disabled worker will need the assistance of a lawyer to get approved for Social Security benefits.
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Things You'll Need
- Social Security card
- Disabling condition
- Work credits
- W-2 and self employment tax forms
- Military service and discharge papers
- Legal counsel
Instructions
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Meet the qualification for disability by having a medical situation that has prevented you from working in any capacity for at least a year. You must also be over 18 years of age, and live in the United States or one of its territories or commonwealths.
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You must meet the work history criteria for disability benefits depending on your age to collect Social Security disability. Workers over the age of 31 need 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been amassed in the 10 years prior to becoming disabled. Workers between the ages of 24 and 31 are credited on a sliding scale, and those under 24 qualify with as few as six credits. As of 2010, Social Security issued one credit for every $1,120 earned from wages or self-employment.
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Gather the documents you may need to fill out the Social Security application for disability benefits. Include your Social Security card, military service and discharge papers, W-2 and self-employment tax forms from the previous year and bank account numbers for direct deposit of Social Security benefits.
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Visit the Social Security website. Click the "Disability Benefits" button under the "Select Below To Apply For" heading. Click the "Online Disability Benefit Application" link. Fill in all personal information and answer all the questions on the application.
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Click the link for an "Online Adult Disability Report." Fill in answers to all questions regarding your condition, doctors, tests and medications. Provide the name and contact information of someone other than your doctors who can verify your condition and assist with your claim. List all insurance claims you made in regard to this condition. Also list your work history with starting and ending dates over the last five years.
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Click on the link to the authorization form for giving information to the Social Security Administration. Print the form, fill it out and mail or deliver it to your local Social Security office.
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Review your statement of benefits, or denial when it arrives by mail. Some conditions such as kidney failure automatically qualify you for Social Security disability benefits. Most other claims are initially denied.
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File an appeal with the aid of an attorney. You and your attorney might have to appear before a committee at a hearing to get approved for benefit payments. If you are approved, payments will be retroactive to the date you first applied for disability benefits.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit sign. disabled. wc. toilet image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
