SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Am I eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?
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What If I don't qualify?
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How do I get SSD benefits?
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What if I am turned down?
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How can I find the nearest Social Security office?
Am I eligible for Social Security Disability
benefits?
Whether or not you qualify for Social Security benefits and the amount
depends upon your date of birth, the type of benefit for which your applying
and, most importantly, your past earnings. To obtain a detailed personal
estimate of your Social Security benefits, contact your Social Security
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What If I don't qualify?
If you have not worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security
benefits you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To be
eligible for SSI you must:
1) have an income level at or beneath that
identified for eligibility
2) be living in the U.S. legally and be a
U.S. citizen
3) be 65 years of age or older or blind or disabled
Children may also be eligible for SSI if their income and assets are below
the limit required and they are disabled. SSI also has a program to assist individuals in returning to
work. Contact your local Social Security office for more information on Supplemental
Security Income.
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How do I get SSD benefits?
You will not receive benefits automatically. If you believe that you are
eligible, file an application at your nearest Social Security office. Some
claims have time limitations so you should act quickly. You should contact
the office when:
- Someone in your family dies.
- You are unable to work because of injury or illness
expected to last a year or more.
- You are 62 or older and plan to retire.
- You are within three months of age 65, even if you don't
plan to retire.
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What if I am turned down?
If you filed a claim and believe that the decision was not correct, you may
have the decision reconsidered. If you are turned down again, you may
request a hearing before and administrative law judge of the Bureau of
Hearings and Appeals. At this point you should contact a Social Security
Disability attorney. At a
hearing before an administrative law judge, it may be necessary to present
complicated medical evidence. It is also important that the first hearing be
properly handled in the event that a later appeal to a federal court is
necessary. A lawyer familiar with Social Security law will be able to
assist you in making sure your case is presented and handled to your best
benefit.
If the administrative law judge's decision is
unsatisfactory, you may request a review by the Appeals Council. If you are
still not satisfied, you may take your case to federal court.
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How can I find the nearest Social Security office?
Information concerning Social Security is available 24 hours a day toll free
by calling 800-325-0778.
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For more information:
Social Security Disability
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