Commonly Asked Social Security Disability Questions
By working a number of years in the area of disability representation, and by working as a disability claim examiner for the social security administration, I've probably heard most of the more common questions that get asked about social security disability, both by actual claimants and by individuals who are doing fact-gathering in anticipation of oneday having to file.
No doubt, there are thousands of different questions that can potentially be asked. And I've certainly been exposed to many that I never would have anticipated, and some that I had to research before answering (contrary to the belief of some, disability examiners are not walking encyclopedias on the federal disability benefit system). However, having said that, the more commonly asked questions about social security disability tend to boil down these few.
1. How do I file for disability?
2. How long will my claim take?
3. What are my chances of being approved?
Ok, the first one: How does a person apply for disability benefits with the social security administration? Well, if your application is for social security disability and not SSI, you can actually submit an application online. I tend not to recommend this, myself. Not because I think there's anything wrong with SSA's online system, but simply because most claimants will have questions about the disability application and appeal system, many of which you won't be able to find online, but will be able to have answered by a live person sitting next to you.
And for that reason, I usually recommend that a person contact their local social security office and set up an appointment to complete a disability application interview. In all likelihood, anyway, a claimant will have to speak with a field office claims rep to resolve questions, or for the social security employee to obtain additional information. So, why not just do the interview and application in person? Also, recall that I mentioned that SSI applications cannot be done online presently.
Most claimants will have no idea as to whether or they are eligible for social security, eligible for SSI, or eligible for consideration in both programs (known as a concurrent application). Therefore, it makes perfect sense to do things in person.
Now, in a later post, I'll address the second and third questions, namely how long will a disability claim take and what are the chances of being approved for disability benefits.
Return to:
Social Security Disability Secrets
Social Security Disability Benefit Questions
Other Posts
SSI disability claim
How can I get SSI?
Winning SSI disability, how do I win?
SSI application denied at DDS - What do I do next?
Disability benefits for chronic mental disabilities
Eligibility for SSI disability benefits
Social security disability rules and guidelines
Social security disability SSI and doctors
Can I apply for disability if I am working?
No doubt, there are thousands of different questions that can potentially be asked. And I've certainly been exposed to many that I never would have anticipated, and some that I had to research before answering (contrary to the belief of some, disability examiners are not walking encyclopedias on the federal disability benefit system). However, having said that, the more commonly asked questions about social security disability tend to boil down these few.
1. How do I file for disability?
2. How long will my claim take?
3. What are my chances of being approved?
Ok, the first one: How does a person apply for disability benefits with the social security administration? Well, if your application is for social security disability and not SSI, you can actually submit an application online. I tend not to recommend this, myself. Not because I think there's anything wrong with SSA's online system, but simply because most claimants will have questions about the disability application and appeal system, many of which you won't be able to find online, but will be able to have answered by a live person sitting next to you.
And for that reason, I usually recommend that a person contact their local social security office and set up an appointment to complete a disability application interview. In all likelihood, anyway, a claimant will have to speak with a field office claims rep to resolve questions, or for the social security employee to obtain additional information. So, why not just do the interview and application in person? Also, recall that I mentioned that SSI applications cannot be done online presently.
Most claimants will have no idea as to whether or they are eligible for social security, eligible for SSI, or eligible for consideration in both programs (known as a concurrent application). Therefore, it makes perfect sense to do things in person.
Now, in a later post, I'll address the second and third questions, namely how long will a disability claim take and what are the chances of being approved for disability benefits.
Return to:
Other Posts
SSI disability claim
How can I get SSI?
Winning SSI disability, how do I win?
SSI application denied at DDS - What do I do next?
Disability benefits for chronic mental disabilities
Eligibility for SSI disability benefits
Social security disability rules and guidelines
Social security disability SSI and doctors
Can I apply for disability if I am working?
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