Understanding the Social Security Disability Application

Applying for Social Security Disability can be andisabled minus 21, then divided by 2. Example a person
intimidating experience. Did you know that you canage 27. This person would need to have worked 3
apply for disability benefits as soon as you becomeyears from the time he turned 21 (math: 27 - 21 = 6.
disabled? To apply for benefits you'll want to contactThen 6 / 2 = 3).
the Social Security Administration (SSA). This can be- Age 31 and older: worked 5 of the last 5 years prior
done by phone, mail, online or by visiting a local Socialto becoming disabled.
Security office.Lawyers and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Note: You are eligible to receive benefits from the dateApplication Process:
that you become disabled. If you apply after one yearThere is a very strict definition to quality for SSI
of becoming disabled you will only be eligible for aDisability. Completing the Supplemental Security Income
maximum of one year of back benefits.(SSI) application is the first step to winning benefits. It is
Social Security Disability has several names that yousuggested you consider working with an experienced
may or may not be familiar with. It can be abbreviatedSSI lawyer during the application process. A lawyer will
as SSD, but more often you'll hear of it either asbe able to work with you an help assemble to cause
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Securityto present it in a manor that helps fulfill the strict
Disability Insurance (SSDI). The two programs arerequirements necessary to win disability benefits.
under the umbrella of SSD, but each functionLawyers and the Social Security Disability Insurance
differently.(SSDI) Application Process:
Supplemental Security Income is available for thoseSSDI also has a strict definition. The first step a person
who have not worked enough to be eligible for Socialneeds to complete to win benefits is the Social
Security Disability benefits, are in fact disabled, andSecurity Disability Insurance (SSDI) application. Persons
economically qualified. Social Security Disabilityseeking SSDI benefits may want to contact an
Insurance acts more as a policy to help those workersexperienced Social Security lawyer for assistance with
who have been contributing to the Social Security poolthe application. A lawyer will be able to help gather the
during their working career. Both programs cover fullproper documentation and medical evidence
(total) disability only.necessary to present your case in the most favorable
Recent Work Test:manor to the SSA.
Part of the SSD application process involves a recentBefore submitting a SSD application it is important to
work test. During this test the SSA reviews theremember that the SSA awards disability benefits
disabled person's work history to determine if thearound strict criteria. Those that are awarded benefits
person has worked long enough to quality for disabilityhave documented that their condition will last at least
benefits. In general for those over the age of 31one year or result in death. The process to win
passing the test means the person has worked 5 ofbenefits can be significant from a time perspective,
the last 5 years prior to becoming disabled. Below aresometimes lasting two or more years. It is
a few samples of recent work test requirements for arecommended to consider working with a Social
Social Security Disability application:Security lawyer to help increase your chances of
- < age 24: worked 1.5 of the last 3 years prior towinning benefits. Remember, the earlier you involve a
becoming disabledlawyer the earlier the process can be affected.
- Between age 24 and 31: Age when you become