If you know anyone who has ever attempted to try their luck at
applying for Social Security Disability (SSD), chances are you have
heard a horror story or two about how much "fun" it can be. It would
seem that if any of those stories are remotely true, you would probably
rather be hand cuffed and escorted down your community's busiest street,
in nothing but your birthday suit and a pair of 7" acrylic stilettos,
than to single-handedly wrestle all of the invasive prying and the
mundane paperwork involved in applying for SSD. Of course this sort of
feeling is magnified when you find out that the majority of applications
are turned down the first time. Numerous appeals can be required in
order to finally qualify to begin receiving Social Security Disability
payments.
During the application process it is necessary to provide medical records that will help you to prove your disability does in fact exist. For some individuals this can mean collecting medical information from multiple doctors, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, specialists and so on. The phoning, faxing and running around just to retrieve all of the necessary medical documentation can be not only exhausting, but frustrating as well. In addition to medical information, you will need to supply a certified or original birth certificate, W-2 forms, a valid Social Security Card and your work history for the previous five years.
While you are eligible for SSD from the moment you become disabled, benefits will not begin until six months after this date. That is, assuming of course, that you apply immediately and that you are fortunate enough to be one of the few who are not denied at first. Keep in mind that only certain types of disabilities will qualify you for benefits. Also, if you typically earn more than approximately $500 per month through any other form of income, you will more than likely not be eligible to receive payments from Social Security Disability. Those of you in this category may need to look into applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on your financial need rather than your disability.
If you or someone you know has applied for SSD and have had your claim denied then you may wish to seek the assistance of an attorney to help you file an appeal. Unfortunately this is often what it takes to be approved. As a matter of fact, there are those who have had to file multiple appeals before seeing any benefits come their way.
During the application process it is necessary to provide medical records that will help you to prove your disability does in fact exist. For some individuals this can mean collecting medical information from multiple doctors, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, specialists and so on. The phoning, faxing and running around just to retrieve all of the necessary medical documentation can be not only exhausting, but frustrating as well. In addition to medical information, you will need to supply a certified or original birth certificate, W-2 forms, a valid Social Security Card and your work history for the previous five years.
While you are eligible for SSD from the moment you become disabled, benefits will not begin until six months after this date. That is, assuming of course, that you apply immediately and that you are fortunate enough to be one of the few who are not denied at first. Keep in mind that only certain types of disabilities will qualify you for benefits. Also, if you typically earn more than approximately $500 per month through any other form of income, you will more than likely not be eligible to receive payments from Social Security Disability. Those of you in this category may need to look into applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on your financial need rather than your disability.
If you or someone you know has applied for SSD and have had your claim denied then you may wish to seek the assistance of an attorney to help you file an appeal. Unfortunately this is often what it takes to be approved. As a matter of fact, there are those who have had to file multiple appeals before seeing any benefits come their way.
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