How To File A Disability Claim
You may qualify for Social Security benefits if the medical condition you have leaves you unable to work, and it is expected to last 12 months or until death. There are three methods for filing a disability claim:
- You can file it online if you are least 18 years old and are currently not receiving any benefits from Social Security. This is the method that the Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends.
- You can apply over the phone by calling the SSA’s toll-free number.
- You can mail in the papers to your local Social Security office.
- You can apply in person at your local Social Security office.
Have all your documents ready and in order before you apply. There is specific information you need to file all the paperwork, including:
- Personal information such as your address, Social Security number, date of birth, email and phone number
- Financial records such as your income
- The name and addresses of physicians, medical facilities or caseworkers that you have seen and the dates that you have seen them
- Employment records that state your employer, job title and job duties, along with your latest W-2 (For those who are self-employed, the SSA may ask for a complete copy of your latest federal income tax return.)
- Medical records, including the names and dosages of any prescription medications you take, and any laboratory or test results
Keep in mind that you must submit original copies of these documents. The forms also request Social Security numbers and birth dates of other family members who may also qualify for benefits. If your spouse also applies, submit a copy of your a marriage license and other marriage data.
If you are applying online and need more time, you can save what you have completed and finish later. The administration states that you need not give all information if it is not accessible to you. Workers at the agency can help you obtain additional information. You must sign a medical release form so that the SSA can obtain additional information from physicians and healthcare facilities, if necessary. If you do not feel comfortable completing information online, you may call your local office and make an appointment. Although you will find cited examples of what is needed to substantiate your claim on the official SSA website, the information you need is precise and detailed. The Social Security Administration does allow you to have a representative throughout the application process.
How Long Does The Claims Process Take?
The application process generally three to five months for most claims. Disability Determination Services (DDS) takes an average of 180 days, or six months, to process a medical claim. Completing an application incorrectly or failing to provide adequate documentation may delay your claim. The SSA states that applying online can accelerate the process. Our office would be happy to represent you in this matter to help expedite your case.
How Adult Physical Consultative Examinations Work
An adult physical consultative examination (APCE) is the medical examination that the SSA might require you to undergo when applying for benefits. If DDS requires additional medical evidence when assessing your claim, it may instruct you to take a certain medical test or exam. The agency makes the appointment for you; if you cannot make the date, you need to inform them promptly. Usually, the agency selects a doctor to perform the medical exam, and this doctor does not have to be the doctor who regularly treats you. The doctor who performs this exam or test will then send the information to the agency.
Receiving Your Decision
Eventually, after submitting your documentation and undergoing any medical exams requested by DDS, you will receive the decision regarding your benefits. If the SSA approves your claim, you will receive your Social Security Disability benefit payments within a few months. If the SSA approves your claim, it may request additional disability reviews. This is where the agency orders a subsequent assessment of your medical disability to determine whether you still need benefits.
However, many applicants receive denials the first time around. If your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. Appeals may take anywhere from one month to one year.