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Social Security

How do I apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?

You may contact Social Security by telephone at l-800-772-1213 and arrange for a telephone interview to file your claim, or go to the nearest Social Security Office in person and file your claim.

I worked a long time ago but have been staying home taking care of my children. I have now become sick; can I file for Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you have worked five out of the last 10 years under Social Security before becoming disabled, you will have enough earnings to qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits. If you have not worked five out of the last 10 years, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SST) whether you have worked in the past or not.

How long do I have to wait after becoming disabled before I can file for Social Security Disability Benefits?

You can file for Social Security disability benefits on the very same day that you become disabled. There is no reason to file a Social Security disability claim if one has only a minor illness or one which is unlikely to last a year or more. However, an individual who suffers serious illness or injury and expects to be out of work for a year or more should not delay in filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits.

Do I have to be permanently disabled to get Social Security disability benefits?

No. You have to have been disabled for at least a year or be expected to be disabled for a least a year, or have a condition that can be expected to result in death within a year.

I got injured on the job. I am receiving workers' compensation benefits. Can I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits now or should I wait until I settle my workers' compensation case?

You do not have to wait until the workers' compensation ends and you should not wait that long. A person can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits while receiving workers' compensation benefits. It is best to file the Social Security disability claim as soon as possible because otherwise there may be a gap between the time the workers' compensation ends and the Social Security disability benefits begins.

Can I get both workers' compensation and Social Security disability benefits?

Yes. There is an offset, which reduces Social Security disability benefits because of workers' compensation benefits paid, but there will still be some Social Security disability benefits to be paid.

I am disabled but I have a savings account and money in the bank. Do I have to wait until this money is gone before I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

No. If you have worked in recent years or if you are applying for Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits or Disabled Adult Child benefits, it does not matter how much money you have in the bank.

If I am approved for Social Security disability benefits, how much will I get?

Disability insurance benefits depend upon how much you have worked and earned in the past. For all types of SSI benefits, there is a base amount that an individual with no other income can receive. Other income that an individual has reduces the amount of SSI, which you can receive.

I got injured in an automobile accident. At this time I am disabled, but I will be able to return to work after I recover. Should I file for Social Security disability benefits?

If you expect to be out of work for a year or more because of your illness or injury, you should file for Social Security disability benefits.

How long does it take to get approved for Social Security disability benefits?

From the initial filing of your claim to the date you are approved will depend on whether you are approved at the initial filing or whether you have to go through the two appeal steps which are Request for Reconsideration and Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If you are approved at initial filing, it takes approximately 30 to 90 days. If you have to go through the two appeal steps, it could take as long as l8 to 24 months.