How to Apply for Disability Benefits
Important Information About the Social Security Disability Program
Nov 13, 2009
For qualifying individuals who become disabled and are left unable to support themselves, disability benefits provide a monthly stipend to offset the cost of living. In certain circumstances, family members of the individual are also eligible to receive disability payments.
How to Qualify for Disability Benefits
Several eligibility requirements must be met prior to being approved for disability payments. The Social Security Administration’s requirements are:
- An individual must be either unable to work or unable to meet cost of living requirements as defined by the government.
- An individual must have a documented disability that is expected to last in excess of one year or is expected to be terminal.
- An applicant must prove that he is unable to return to his previous field of employment or adapt to a new career.
- Applicants must have worked recently prior to becoming disabled.
- An individual must meet Social Security’s requirements for lifetime tax contributions based on his or her age group.
Filling Out the Disability Application
Disability applications are available online through the Social Security Administration’s website. Interested individuals must:
- Read the Adult Disability Packet. This information packet provides important information about the disability application process and also contains a checklist of all necessary documentation. It also provides worksheets to assist disability applicants in determining whether or not they are eligible to apply.
- Fill out the online application for benefits.
- Read, fill out, and submit the Adult Disability Report. This report is an authorization for the release of all medical records pertaining to the injury or illness to be released to the Social Security Administration.
The Social Security Disability Approval Process
Applicants must wait a period of 3-5 months before an application is approved or denied. If approved, the individual will receive monthly benefits and back benefits beginning six months from the date the individual is determined to have first become disabled.
Benefits may be withheld for qualifying applicants if they have an outstanding warrant out for their arrest in any state. Back disability payments will also be withheld for any months that the individual was eligible for payments but had an outstanding warrant on record.
Benefits for Family Members
Family members of an applicant are eligible to receive his or her disability payments if they meet the correct qualifications. These requirements outlined in the Disability Benefits Electronic Booklet and are as follows:
- An individual’s spouse, provided that he or she is over age 62 or is currently caring for the individual’s child if the child is under age 16.
- A natural or adopted child who is younger than 18 and unmarried. Children may receive benefits up to age 19 if they are currently enrolled in college.
- A disabled child under age 19.
- A stepchild or grandchild that receives more than half of his or her financial support from the individual.
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