3 Common Fears in Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Applying for Social Security benefits can be stressful and overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the process. The following is three of the most common fears about applying and why you shouldn’t let them stress you out:

1. Not Qualifying for Disability Benefits

There are a number of factors that determine whether you can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The following are those factors:

The number of work credits you have earned

The work credits you amass represent the money you’ve paid towards Social Security. Depending on how old you were when you first got your disability, you may need to have a certain number of work credits. For example, you’ll need at least six credits earned three years before your disability if you’re under the age of 24. If you’re between the ages of 24 to 31, you’ll need to have earned at least half of the available credits from the age of 21 to the year you became disabled (you can earn up to four credits a year).

The type of medical condition(s) you have

If your medical condition(s) meet or equal one of the impairments on the Social Security Administration’s list of medical impairments and conditions, then you will qualify for disability benefits from the medical standpoint. If your injury or illness isn’t recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration’s list of impairments, you will have to prove that you cannot do your past relevant work or adjust to other work because of your unlisted condition(s).

Your ability to work 

Your disability must prevent you from being able to work. There are no temporary benefits. This means your injury or illness must have prevented you from working or must be expected to prevent you from working for at least a year.

2. Not Knowing What Information to Provide

You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and they will let you know what you need. You can also contact our representatives at Social Security Disability Advocates online or by calling 602-952-3200. The information that you’ll need in order to apply includes the following:

• Proof of birth, such as a birth certificate;
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status;
• Your U.S. military discharge papers if you served before 1968;
• An adult disability report, which includes information about your disability and your work history;
• Any medical evidence you have, such as recent test results and medical records; and,
• Any award letters, settlement agreements, pay stubs or proof of workers’ compensation-type benefits you have received.

Even if you do not have all of this information on hand, you should apply for Social Security disability benefits as soon as possible. You can always supply any missing information later and the Social Security Administration will even help you find the documents you need.

3. What Will Happen if Your Application is Denied

While a denial can be discouraging, don’t just chalk it up as a loss. You should appeal the denial immediately within the 60-day deadline. The majority of initial applications are generally denied, so appealing isn’t some kind of a last-ditch effort. However, always use a Social Security representative to improve your chances of  approval.

These are three common fears people have about applying for Social Security disability benefits that shouldn’t keep you from doing so. For more professional advice, schedule a free consultation with us online or by calling us anytime at 602-952-3200 today. Don’t forget to check out our LiveChat feature, as well.

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.