Getting By While Awaiting Social Security Disability
Posted by admin on May 14, 2009
Q: If I cannot work, how am I supposed to support myself while applying for social security disability?
A: It can take quite some time for an application for social security disability to go through the review process. Supporting yourself while you wait can be quite stressful. Given the duration some claims take, it is vital to examine and adjust your budget when possible. Try to eliminate all spending that is not mandatory. Regardless of what you can afford now, resist temptation to spend. Try to put savings away for the sole purpose of supporting you through the long wait that may happen with your social security disability application. Mandatory expenditures can sometimes be adjusted to allow flexibility during the waiting period. Some gas and electric companies have aid programs for those with limited income to help pay for winter heating bills. Refinancing a mortgage or other loan to free up funds can be an option. Additionally, many individuals find that they can rely on friends and family for short term loans or other support. Look into aid programs to help with doctor bills and medication. It is important that you do not stop your medical care. Many charities offer assistance to pay for medications. Look into state health assistance programs. You can also go to a free clinic program for certain things. Talk to your doctor about restructuring payment plans. Knowing that you are applying for disability, billing departments are more willing to work with you. Filing for public assistance programs can also be helpful. Some states offer assistance loans that you must pay back once you receive a decision on your social security disability claim. Section 8 housing aid or food stamp programs may be helpful if your wait is long. If you are in financial dire straights, you might consider talking to a social security attorney. You may be eligible for dire need assistance with social security. Dire need status can grant you financial assistance and help your case be processed more quickly.
Q: Can you go to the Social Security office to submit your social security disability application?
A: The three methods for filing for social security disability benefits are in person, via the telephone or via the internet. Most people believe handling it in person is the most advantageous. Meeting with your claims representative will give you one on one communication. The meeting will be your first opportunity to provide background on your claim and medical condition, and the disability case manager will get to see how your condition currently affects your ability to function. This initial meeting sets the stage for the rest of process. Call the toll free number (800) 772.1213 for Social Security and ask for an appointment to submit your application for social security disability. Social Security will send you written notification of the appointment time and date.
Q: When should you expect notification of a decision on a social security disability case?
A: Decisions on some cases are reached within a few months, while others are not reached for years. The average time for a complete application to go through the initial review stage is 3 months.
Make sure you bring copies of your medical records and treatments for your current injury. Have a list of your doctors. Finally, provide supporting documentation and details about your employment for at least the past decade. Of particular interest will be wages and average number of weekly work hours. Assure you consult with your social security attorney, if applicable, before you go to that first meeting with Social Security.
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The necessary income level for receiving social security benefits credits rises a bit each year; as of 2008, you receive one credit for every $1,050 you earn. You can receive a maximum of four credits annually (which is why credits are also called ‘quarters’), and any credits you earn will remain on your record even during periods in which you’re not working.
In order to qualify for social security benefits, you need to reach a certain number of credits. The number of credits you need for social security is based on your current age, and is calculated by the number of years you have worked. If you’re looking to be eligible for social security benefits for retirement (and are of more than 62 years of age), you will need to have 40 credits (the equivalent of 10 years of work).
You are eligible if your injury will keep you from working for at least 12 months. You should apply for social security disability as soon as possible, since it can take quite some time for the Social Security Administration to review your claim. If you are awarded social security disability insurance, you may be eligible for retroactive payments. You are not eligible for your first benefits payment until the sixth month after the onset of your condition. You cannot receive back payments for that waiting period.
Regardless of what you can afford now, resist temptation to spend. Put any money you save by cutting discretionary spending aside to help you through the time it may take to reach a decision about your social security disability claim. Mandatory expenditures can sometimes be adjusted to allow flexibility during the waiting period. Some utility companies, for example, offer low income energy assistance programs. Restructuring a mortgage to allow you to access equity or simply lower your monthly payments can be considered.
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In order to be eligible for these benefits, you should have a medical condition that has prevented or will prevent you from working for twelve months or more, or have a condition that will possibly result in your death.
Keep in mind however, that various factors will be considered in your application for Social Security Disability benefits, among them your age, your educational attainment, your work experience, how you comply with treatment, your daily activities, and the type of treatment that you will undergo. Even if you conform to all of these requirements, there is still a chance that you will not be granted Social Security Disability benefits, which is why you may want to consider hiring the services of a social security lawyer.
A social security lawyer can collect information that will help prove your eligibility for SSD. The process of getting your Social Security Disability benefits can take a very long time, and you will have to fill out a lot of documents as well as submit to an interview with a representative from the Social Security Administration.
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