Losing the ability to work and earn a living for yourself can put you in a difficult position. You can face mental and financial stress, which can make things harder for you. There is also the added medical cost of being disabled that you have to endure.
You cannot sustain such financial conditions for a long time, which is why you have to look for support. There are disability benefits available to people who have paid taxes under the social security network. In return for the contribution that you have made, your state can support you.
The following discussion aims to provide clarity on when and how a person can claim disability under social security.
1. Having a Medical Condition
Suffering from a medical condition that inhibits your ability to work or continue working in your relevant field is necessary for claiming disability. If you do not have such a medical condition, you will not be eligible to claim disability.
There is a strict criterion for claiming disability benefits. You need to show that you are unable to continue the work that you were doing, and there is no possibility for you to adjust to any other form of work, and your disability has lasted over a year or is expected to last over a year.
2. Relevant Work History
Your work history is another crucial factor for claiming disability. In order to be insured under social security, you need to have worked long enough in your field. There is also a requirement that your work history must be recent.
If you have been working up until your medical condition becomes apparent, you must have paid taxes regularly through the social security network. By paying these taxes, you become eligible to receive disability benefits.
3. Age Factor to Consider
In order to claim disability benefits, your age matters as well. If you are under the age of 65, you can claim disability benefits. It is understandable that after a certain age, a human’s ability to work can be significantly reduced.
There can be a number of medical conditions that can pop up after a certain age, and your state cannot provide disability benefits for problems related to old age. There is also the possibility that after the age of 65, you will most probably have retired, so your work history will not be recent.
4. Applying for Benefits
To claim disability benefits, you have to apply for them. This can be done in a number of ways. You can either make an application online on the Social Security website or visit the nearest social security office. You can also call the Social Security helpline to seek guidance.
By submitting a formal application, you can ensure that the process can begin. The Social Security office will receive your records. Afterward, an appointment can be scheduled for your medical examination, which will be done by a doctor contracted by the Social Security Department.
5. Seek Help from a Lawyer
It is a reality that a majority of the disability claims are denied initially. The medical examinations are brief, and the doctors who are on contract never really delve deeply into the problem. This can seem unfair to you, and rightfully so.
In order to get the disability benefits that you deserve, it can be helpful to hire a disability lawyer. An Albany Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you figure out what you might be lacking in terms of documentation. With the guidance of a disability lawyer, you will be able to get the support you need.
6. Gather the Documents Needed
The documentation required for claiming disability can be considerably lengthy. You will need to provide proof of your medical condition. Your medical records should reflect how your ability to work can be affected by your condition.
In addition to that, you will be required to provide proof of your work history. Your employment records need to be attached, showing the amount of time you have worked in your relevant field. The taxes that you have paid in terms of social security also need to be tallied up to make you eligible for disability payments.
7. Look at Online Guides
Another thing that you can do to make things easier for yourself is to consult online guides. By consulting an online guide on how to file a disability claim, you will be able to ensure that you do not miss anything. You will get an idea of what documentation is required and what your next step should be.
You will be able to approach the matter systematically. Reading a couple of articles will enable you to ascertain what your approach should be. You will be able to get an idea of how long the process may take and what you can do to speed things up.
8. Be Vigilant and Follow Up
Once you initiate the process of filing for disability benefits, it can be crucial to stay vigilant. By being attentive and vigilant, you can ensure that you will not end up at a disadvantage. You will be able to identify what you need in time and remedy the situation accordingly.
Another thing that you need to do is to follow up after every step. Things can take time when you file for disability benefits, and it can be beneficial to keep an eye on things. By being vigilant and following up routinely, you will be able to ensure that your case is processed promptly.
9. Stay Positive and Persistent
The process of seeking disability benefits can be discouraging. If your claim gets denied, it can be easy to get discouraged. However, you have to realize that the Social Security Department has strict regulations, and you have to meet them all.
You might not be able to understand what exactly you need for your claim to be successful. It can be challenging for an average person to be aware of all the requirements. This is why hiring a disability lawyer can make the whole process smoother for you.
