Things You Need to Know When Applying for SSDI Benefits

Nobody wants to think that they would become disabled in the future. But for many Americans, disability is often an inevitability as according to the Social Security Administration, a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age. The odds of getting injured or sick, to the point of becoming disabled is greater than you think so it would be best to be prepared in case the inevitable occurs.

So what can you do if you become disabled? While your physical recovery is your first priority, you should consider filing a social security disability benefit claim, especially if your condition is expected to last for at least a year or longer.

But dealing with a disability as well as handling and filing a winning social security disability benefits claim can be difficult and for many, frustrating. It is estimated that as much as 70 percent of all disability claims are denied initially.

To avoid getting your application denied, it is best to be armed with a disability lawyer or at the very least, knowledge about how the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) works. Here are several important things you need to know when applying for SSDI benefits:

• To qualify under the SSDI program, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and should have accumulated enough Social Security work credits. While younger workers need less credits, the general requirement is 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled.
• The applicant must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. This is based on your ability to work and if you cannot do work that you did before; cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition; and your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death, then you shall be considered disabled.
• Apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled – ordinarily, it benefits shall be paid on the sixth full month after the date your disability began.
• You can apply for benefits online, or call the SSA at the toll-free telephone number 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local Social Security Office and file your application there.
• SSDI benefits may likewise be given to persons with a potentially terminal illness as well as a non-terminal illness aside from disability.

If you have more questions about applying for SSDI benefits, call your local social security field office or engage the services of a disability lawyer in Los Angeles.