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When is a Person Considered Disabled by Social Security Disability?
For Social Security disability or SSI purposes, to be considered disabled, a person must have an impairment, either medical, psychological, or psychiatric in nature.
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How to Qualify for Disability (What Happens at DDS)
To determine whether you are disabled, and thus qualify for Social Security disability benefits -- either SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) -- the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send your claim to a state agency that's often called Disability Determination Services (DDS).
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When Should You Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI?
I've just gotten to the point to where I can no longer work because of pain. Should I apply for disability benefits right away?
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What's the Best Way to Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI?
There are currently three methods available to potential disability claimants.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision for Social Security Disability?
The question of how long it takes to get a decision on a Social Security Disability or ssi benefit claim...is a vexing one. And vexing for several reasons...
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Disability Determination Services and Social Security Disability Claims
Disability Determination Services, or DDS, is the state-level agency whose basic task is determining the eligibility of claimants to receive monetary disability benefits, or benefits...
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What Medical Evidence Is Required by Social Security Disability?
For a Social Security disability (or SSI) case, medical evidence takes many forms, including physician treatment notes, mental health records, bloodwork panels, and reports of imaging studies (MRI, CAT scan, and XRAY).
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Can I Get Financial Help While Waiting for Social Security Disability?
There may be some public and private financial assistance available to those who aren't working because of disability.
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Can Certain Medical Conditions Get You Approved for Disability Automatically?
Certain impairments are singled out and specified in the Social Security Administration's Impairment Listing Manual (used by DDS disability examiners). And claimants who have listed medical problems (i.e. in the manual) at the level of specified in the manual can be approved for benefits somewhat easily.
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What Does a Social Security Claims Representative Do on a Disability Claim?
The Social Security claims representative performs all initial interviews with potential Social Security disability claimants.
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If I Can Continue to Work Part Time But Not Full Time, Can I Get Disability Benefits?
Generally, if you can't sustain regular full-time work (40 hours a week, week in and week out), Social Security is supposed to approve you for disability benefits. (See our article on regular and sustained work.)
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What to Do If Your Social Security Disability Case Is Denied
If you are denied on your Social Security Disability or SSI benefit claim, you should request an appeal immediately, within the 60-day deadline.
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How Long Do Social Security Disability Appeals Take?
As with initial SSD and SSI applications for benefits, there is simply no way to know how long a disability appeal with the Social Security administration will take. This is due to several facts. First, disability cases do not have deadlines (despite the fact that the Social Security office will often says that it will take 90-120 days for processing a decision).
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Will I Have to File More than One Social Security Disability Appeal?
Generally, the rule is this: If you are denied on your Initial Claim for disability benefits, you will probably be denied on your first appeal (the Reconsideration) as well...
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Totally and Permanently Disabled, Why Can't I Get Social Security Disability?
Totally and Permanently Disabled, Why Can't I get Social Security Disability? Here's a recent question: "My father was classified as permanently and totally disabled and has still been
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Use this form to quickly connect with local disability advocates who are ready to help you win your case.
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Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability
Written by a former SSA medical consultant, Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability is the essential book for anyone dealing with a long-term or permanent disability.