Five things you should know about filing for Social Security Disability benefits.
Filing for Social Security Disability benefits is easier said than done. Unfortunately, you can’t just fill out an application and sit back and wait for payments to start rolling in.
Truth be told, the first thing you will probably get is a reality check. The process can be long and involved. Here are some things you should know about filing for Social Security Disability benefits.
The process is paper-intensive.
A lot of paperwork is involved when filing for Social Security Disability. You will be asked to fill out a number of forms, some of which may take several hours to complete. In fact, it is not uncommon for applicants to spend days gathering the information necessary to complete the required paperwork.
It’s important to fill out the Disability forms thoroughly and accurately. Social Security relies on these reports to get a complete picture of your medical condition and how it impacts your ability to work and carry out daily activities.
To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you must show that your condition is so severe that it is expected to keep you from working for at least a year. These forms should contain a wealth of information about you.
Be prepared to hurry up…and wait.
While it’s important to apply for Social Security Disability as soon as you can no longer work, don’t expect a quick answer on your Disability claim. On average, it takes between three and five months to get a decision after you submit your initial application. The reason: the federal system is backlogged.
Last year, the Social Security Administration received more than 2.4 million applications from disabled workers alone. That’s a lot of forms to process, review and render decisions.
Most initial applications are denied.
The grim reality is that most applications will be denied during the initial stage. Only about 32 percent of applications will get awarded benefits based on their initial paperwork.
The reasons for denial run the gamut, but it’s often due to common Disability mistakes from trying to navigate unfamiliar territory.
Stay in it to win it.
Persistence is key when it comes to getting Disability benefits. Your chance for approval actually improves when you appeal a denied Disability claim. In fact, about 45 percent of applicants get awarded benefits during the third stage of the process after a Disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is when you will have an opportunity to state your case in person.
Dig in your heels and never give up. The end result is usually well worth it. Not only will you receive a monthly cash benefit, but you will likely be entitled to a significant amount of Social Security Disability back pay.
