How Do I Apply For Disability?

You can apply for Disability benefits online, or if you prefer, you can apply by calling our office for assistance. Our representatives can make an appointment for your application to be taken over the telephone or at any convenient Social Security office.

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To apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, you’ll need to complete the Social Security Disability Report and your application for Social Security disability benefits. The Disability Report can be completed online.

If you prefer, you can print out the Disability Report and complete it yourself, and then send it or take it to the Social Security office in your local area. The application can be processed more speedily if you include the other information they need.

The information that the Social Security Administration needs includes your full name, your birth certificate and your Social Security number. They also require the names with addresses and pertinent phone numbers of any caseworkers, doctors, clinics or hospitals that have taken care of you.

Include the dates of all your visits to doctors, hospitals, etc., and any medicines, including dosages, that you take.

When Should I Apply For Disability Benefits?

Get your pertinent information together as soon as you can, so as not to delay your application. It is often helpful to hire a disability attorney to help you through the process of paperwork in the initial claim and disability appeals if you are rejected.

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A claim for disability benefits can take as long as two years to get through the entire process. Keep in mind that most applications are denied during the initial review and even more are denied during reconsideration reviews. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you’ll receive a decision and move on to the next step of the process. You do not want to miss any deadlines or file late any appeals to denials at any level of the process, or you may have to start over with a new application.

Are Disability Benefit Awards Permanent?

For those who suffer from severe and permanent disabilities, there is no “expiration date” set on your Social Security Disability payments. As long as you remain disabled, you will continue to receive your disability payments until you reach retirement age. At that point benefits convert to retirement benefits and are payable until death.

It is important to note that even if the SSA’s continuing eligibility review determines that you are able to return to work, you can appeal the decision.

If your condition is not expected to be permanent, but you are unable to work for at least 12 months, you should still apply for disability benefits. If you don’t know how long your disability will last, or if you are still hoping to return to work, you can still start your disability claim.

If your condition improves and you are able to go back to work, your claim can be dismissed. However, if you don’t get better and cannot return to work, then you will need financial support. If you don’t file as soon as possible, you may run into financial trouble later down the road while you wait for a decision to be made on your claim.

What Does Non-Medical Mean For Social Security Disability?

Non‑medical disability criteria are any criteria which are not tied to your medical or mental health conditions and the relevant reports. These include proof of age, SSDI coverage information, employment records, and marital status.

Your proof of age is important when determining SSDI benefits because your age determines how long you needed to spend working before you were disabled in order to be covered by insurance. Generally, a copy of your birth certificate can be used as proof of age.

Because SSI is a need‑based benefit, non-medical considerations include income; money received from other sources like workers’ compensation, VA benefits, friends, relatives; free food or shelter that you receive; cash; land; vehicles; personal property; life insurance; and investment assets like bank accounts, stocks, etc.

How Much Money Can You Have In The Bank To Remain Eligible For Disability Payments?

To receive SSDI, you can have any amount in the bank. The only financial disqualification is for earned income, meaning if you make more than $1,220 per month (2019 regulations), you will not be considered disabled. To receive SSI, you may not have in the bank more than $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple.

For more information on Applying For Social Security Disability Anywhere In the North West, a FREE Initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (503) 868-4748 today.