By law, Social Security has a very strict
definition of disability. To be found
disabled:
your medical condition(s) must have
lasted, or be expected to last, at least
one year or be expected to result in
your death.
Your doctor may say that you are disabled,
but that is not enough to qualify you for
disability benefits. You cannot
receive disability benefits solely because
your doctor says you are disabled.
This will help, but it is not all that has
to be proven.
When Should I Apply
You should apply for benefits as soon as you
and your doctor agree that your disability will
last more than one year. For
Supplemental Security Income, you should
apply as soon as you become disabled.
Benefits are not retroactive for SSI, so the sooner
you file, the better.
How Can I Apply for Social
Security Benefits?
You can apply for benefits by visiting a
social security office and applying in person.
You can find out where your local office is
located by contacting the Social Security
Administration directly. When you
have received your application in the mail,
call us for an appointment to discuss how
we can help you in the process.
How Long Does it Take
to Make a Decision?
It
takes about 3-5 months to get a decision on
your Social Security Disability benefits. This
depends on how much time it takes to get
your medical records and any other evidence
needed to make a decision.
If Social Security Decides
That I am Disabled, What Type of Benefits
Can I Receive?
Social Security pays disability benefits
under two programs:
-
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
for insured workers, their disabled
surviving spouses and children (disabled
before age 22) of disabled, retired, or
deceased workers; and
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for
people with little or no income and
resources. Children under the age
of 18 can receive SSI benefits only if
disabled.
What to Bring With You
to Meet With Us
For your initial meeting with us, we ask you
to bring the following:
Any prescriptions you are currently
taking.
A list of doctors you have seen including their addresses and phone
numbers.
Any medical records you may have.
For more information visit the Social
Security Administration website at
www.socialsecurity.gov or call toll free
1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of
hearing, call TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Call Pam Hofer at (606) 784-3636 for more
information.
