Q: When filing for social security disability, what should you do to increase the likelihood that your application will be approved?

A: Although most disability applications for social security benefits are not approved after the initial review process, there are definitely some things you can do to make sure you give your case the best foundation. Having a doctor who supports your decision to file for disability is integral to helping your case. The disability examiner for your case places a lot of value on the statement provided by your doctor. Delayed receipt of medical records is one of the main reasons disability claims get hung up in the review process. Assure that you have submitted thorough and current copies of all your medical data. Do so again when having your case reconsidered or requesting to have it heard before an administrative judge. Be cooperative with all representatives dealing with your case. The representatives want to reach a social security benefits decision as quickly as possible, so are not working against you. By being as cooperative and available as you can, it makes it easier for them to fairly process your case. The fourth way to help your claim is to always meet required deadlines. Make sure you keep track of where your claim is in the social security benefits process and understand the required paperwork and deadlines. Some claimants are overwhelmed when applying for social security benefits. You may wish to enlist the help of a lawyer who specializes in social security claims, if you have any concerns about properly submitting paperwork or staying on top of your claim.

Q: What should the statement from your doctor say when applying for social security disability?

A: When submitting a disability claim for social security benefits, the statement from your doctor should have three main things. First, the letter should explain your condition or injury. Next, the letter needs to make clear what your physical restrictions are and how that impacts your employment. The third thing the letter will need to elucidate is the outlook for your injury and your recovery.

Q: Are reconsideration and appeal the same thing in the social security benefits process?

A: Both are part of the appeals process. If your application was denied and you wish to continue further, your next move is to have your case reconsidered. This must be done within 60 days of when you received notification that your application was denied. If your claim is not awarded benefits after reconsideration, your next step is to request a hearing. Some states may be skipping the reconsideration process right now, so check with your claims representative to see whether you should file for reconsideration or move on to the hearing process.

While it is possible for somebody who is not yet 50 years of age to obtain Social Security disability benefits, it is quite a bit more complicated than for somebody who is over 50 years of age. For those that are younger than 50, obtaining disability benefits is dependant on their ability to prove that there is no work they are currently able to do. For an older individual, they typically only have to prove that they can no longer do the work that they did in the past 15 years.

Those people who do not have medical insurance of their own can visit Social Security doctors for evaluation. Their doctors are not there to help you but to evaluate your case in a quick and methodical fashion. Because of this, having a record of treatment from independent (non Social Security) doctors is generally the best way to provide proof of your disability. These are physicians with real knowledge of your case and experience with your disability.

If you do not have medical insurance, there are two different places you can go for help. Your local county clinic and vocational rehabilitation. County clinics exist to provide care to those without medical insurance. When you first contact these clinics you should not immediately tell them of your medical problems. Often times, when the administrative staff hears about your complicated medical problems, they will tell you that they cannot help you because they do not have proper funding for your condition(s). When they hear of the depth of your disability, they may turn your away without letting you see even one doctor. You just simply them that you do not have medical insurance and you need a primary doctor. Do not give any details. Once you see the actual doctor, then you can tell him/her about all your medical conditions. Often times, they will send you to specialists for your conditions and pay for it.

Your other medical care option, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, is paid for by the state and works to train people for a vocation or career. However, before sending you off for training, this program will check your medical history and have you checked out by doctors associated with the program. They will pay for doctor visits, medications, tests and even surgeries and/or procedures, if warranted. At the end, they will make a determination as to whether they feel you can or cannot work. If at the end of the decision process the program determines you unable to work, they will then send you over to Social Security to apply for benefits. Having this happen can be really boost your Social security disability claim, as a government vocational program has already determined you to be unfit to work. And as a “bonus,” you have also received the treatments and medicines you needed without having to pay a penny. And, if a vocation rehabilitation program does decide that you are fit to work, they will help you find the employment you need. In this case, the medical records, etc., you obtained can still be used to prove your Social Security disability claim.

Once again, without medical treatment, especially for younger individuals, it is almost impossible to get Social Security Disability Benefits. Therefore, you have to get into medical treatment as soon possible.

While many people opt to handle the process of applying for Social Security benefits by themselves, there are many instances wherein hiring a Social Security lawyer can make things a lot easier. Since errors made at the start of the application process results are a common occurrence, many claims for disability benefits are often denied. Fortunately, a qualified Social Security lawyer can help you appeal your case, which can result in a reversal of the decision to deny your application.

How long will it take before Medicare coverage takes effect?

If you currently receive Social Security disability benefits, you will automatically be qualified for Medicare benefits. A few months before you turn 65, or before you reach the 24th month of your disability, you will receive information about your Medicare benefits, as well as your Medicare card. In some cases, you may not be enrolled automatically in the Medicare program, particularly if you are not currently receiving any Social Security benefits. You will then have to arrange for an appointment with the Social Security Administration. Upon the processing of your application, the Social Security office will then determine if you are eligible for the Medicare program.

What does it mean if you are short one credit for disability insurance?

One of the requirements for being eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is that you should have received a certain number of credits for the work you have done during a specific period and you should have earned a specified amount during the ten years prior to your disability. A credit is equivalent to a quarter of the calendar year. According to Social Security regulations, you should have earned a specified amount in dollars during a quarter. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you should have accumulated credits for 20 quarters or more…which is equivalent to five years…during the last 40 quarters or ten years before you became disabled.

Working while applying for Social Security

Many people seem to think that they are not allowed to file for Social Security disability benefits while they are currently working. The fact is that you CAN actually apply for benefits, make an appeal, and even receive social benefits while you are currently working. Keep in mind however that your monthly income cannot be higher than your SGA or substantial gainful activity amount, which is $900.00. This is because the Social Security Administration does not considers applicants that are able to earn this amount disabled.