What Is the Best Way to Apply for Social Security Disability?
Posted 05/08/09
Q: What can you do to get by financially when your claim for social security disability is still being processed?A: Waiting for a decision on a social security disability insurance claim can take months or years. 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. Even if you can pay for those things now, you need to have a financial cushion should your claim take a year or two. 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. Some claimants restructure their financial obligations to help them through. Some gas and electric companies have aid programs for those with limited income to help pay for winter heating bills. Restructuring a mortgage to allow you to access equity or simply lower your monthly payments can be considered. Some applicants are fortunate to have loved ones that can help them with financial support during the interim period. If you can no longer pay your medical bills, seek assistance. You need to continue to go to the doctor. Many charities offer assistance to pay for medications. Look into state health assistance programs. Find free clinics, if need be, for routine visits. Talk to your doctor about restructuring payment plans. Explain your situation and be proactive before you get in trouble. You may also consider applying for local, state and federal public benefit programs. 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. It is possible that you qualify for dire need aid with the agency. Such assistance can help expedite your claim and offer monetary aid.
Q: Is it possible to apply for social security disability benefits at an actual Social Security office?
A: You can apply for social security disability insurance online, over the phone or in person. It is often recommended that doing it in person is the best method. A face to face appointment with the disability manager who will handle your case gives opportunities for real contact that applying online or via telephone will not. 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. An in person appointment gives your claim the foundation for the application review process. To request an initial appointment in person, call Social Security and tell them you would like to apply for social security disability insurance in person. You will then receive a confirmation of the scheduled appointment via mail.
Q: How long does a claim for social security disability benefits take?
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.