Apply for Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Application Process

After spending much time preparing your social security disability (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI) application for benefits, the worst that can happen is to face denial of disability claims. This may be due to reasons as simple as a legal technicality of providing an “unsatisfactory” answer. To avoid such a scenario, contact an Orum Young Law social security disability attorney to help you file for application or even appeals.

At Orum Young Law, you can get legal assistance when applying for disability benefits like:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) / Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Our disability benefits lawyers can help you even if the SSA has turned down your application several times. Get all the assistance you need to claim the compensation you deserve.

Start Your Application Today

You and your disability benefits lawyer will need to prepare plenty of documents such as but not limited to your Social Security number, work history, medical records, tax records, and information on dependents who may also be eligible to receive benefits.

Are you aware that an initial application can be submitted online and over the phone instead of visiting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office?

Regardless of your preferred manner of application, there are four general steps involved in submitting a benefits claim, whether under the SSDI or SSI category.

• STEP 1: Check Eligibility for Title II (SSDI) or Title XVI (SSI) Benefits
• STEP 2: Gather Information and Needed Documents
• STEP 3: Submit Your Application with the SSA
• STEP 4: Wait for the Decision
• Why Should I Get A Legal Professional?

STEP 1: Check Eligibility for SSDI or SSI Benefits

Don’t make the mistake of just filling out an application form and submitting an unreviewed claim to the Social Security Administration. The majority of denied applications commit the mistake of not having a second pair of eyes review their claim and end up getting rejected for small technicalities.

Check if you meet the qualifications.

At this stage, you and your social security disability lawyer will need to determine whether or not you meet the disability criteria set by the SSA for a social security claim. Next, you will be asked to review the SSA’s Condition List for Adult and Child Impairment to ensure that your condition is included.

For an SSDI Claim, you are most likely qualified if you are:

• A worker with a disability who has earned enough work credits.
• The child of an employee with long-term disability (at least 12 months)
• The legal spouse of an injured worker with enough work credits
• Divorced (former) spouse of an employee
• A disabled adult child (DAC)
• A widow or widower with a disability
• Blind or have a central visual acuity of less than or equal to 20/200 in the better eye or a field of vision limited to the widest diameter of not more than 20 degrees

For an SSI Claim, you are most likely to receive benefits if you are a U.S. citizen with limited income and resources who match any of these profiles:

• A blind adult or child
• An adult with a disability
• A child with a disability
• A person age 65 and older
• A resident of emergency shelter for homeless people
• An individual institutionalized due to a physical or medical condition (with Medicaid paying for more than 50% of the total costs for care)

For a more comprehensive list of SSA’s target beneficiaries and eligibility requirements, visit Orum Young Law’s Resources Below:

• Complete Guide to Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits.
• Complete Guide to Understanding Supplemental Security Income Benefits.

STEP 2: Gather Information and Needed Documents

Once your eligibility has been verified, you will start gathering information and necessary documents as outlined in SSA’s Blue Book. Commonly referred to as the “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security”, this book gives a complete overview of qualifying conditions for disability claim approval. It includes the specific diagnosis needed, tests, results, and list of documentation for every condition. Disability lawyers will be able to help you understand the legalese of this official document.

File your claim immediately.

For Social Security Disability Insurance / SSDI, the best time to start applying for social security is within 6-9 months after your employment has ended. To apply, you will need to fill out some forms and prepare the necessary documents. You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 800-772-1213 or go to https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/. Our disability lawyers are at your disposal once you get started, and will have your back until you’ve reached a favorable application decision.

For Supplemental Security Income / SSI, start your application as soon as you learn that you match the SSA’s target beneficiary profile. Doing so will give you the highest probability to start getting those monthly payments at the earliest time possible. The payouts will be able to cover for your food, clothing, shelter, and other personal necessities. You can even get food stamps and coverage for your medical bills. Check the Social Security site (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/) and contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 800-772-1213 whenever you are ready. If you have any concerns which hinder you from filing for disability, get in touch with our Orum Young disability lawyers for a consultation session

STEP 3: Submit Your Application With the SSA

Ready to submit your application?

Once all the needed paperwork is on your hands, you are now ready to submit your application to SSA, through any of the following options:

• Handing the documents in-person to the local SSA clerk
• Filling out the SSA’s online application (https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib)
• Applying over the phone
  (for applicants with disabilities, blindness, or needing special assistance)

The SSA shall then review your application to check that you meet the basic eligibility criteria. This includes an examination of your work background and current activities. Your application will then be forwarded to your local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in the state of your residence.

The DDS then completes the evaluation process started by the SSA and arrives at a decision. Should the SSA or DDS have any questions at any point in the review stage, you will receive a call. It is possible to be requested to submit additional documents even if you thought your application packet was already complete.

Visit your local Social Security office.

The main headquarters of the Social Security Administration (SSA) is situated in Woodlawn, Maryland. It has 10 regional offices, 8 centers for processing, more than 1,000 field offices, over 30 teleservice posts

Look for your state of residence below to check which field office can receive will process your application. If you are interested in getting a free evaluation of your case, you can click contact Orum Young Law.

Find the Nearest SSA Regional Office.

STEP 4: Wait for the Decision

Release of Decision

Arriving at a decision may take between 5 to 9 months. You may check your application status by logging in to your Social Security online account or getting in touch with the SSA.

Once the decision has been made, you will receive a letter in your mail. There are two possible decisions you can find:

APPLICATION APPROVED. In your letter, you will find your Established Onset Date (date you became disabled, as determined by the SSA), details on how often the SSA shall conduct medical reviews for your disability, and how much benefits you are entitled to receive. If you wait more than 5 months for the approval, you will be given back pay on top of the benefits you enjoy. The back pay covers previous month benefits you would have received if your application has been filed earlier.

APPLICATION DENIED. If your application has been denied, the letter shall contain an explanation as to how the SSA arrived in its decision to not award you with benefits. In most cases, an application has been rejected because the claimant does not meet SSA’s definition of disability. The letter will also include how many days you are given to submit a request for reconsideration. To ensure that your appeal will be prepared promptly, you may ask your social security lawyer for a quick list of needed documents for the appeals process. Normally, you are given 60 days to submit a request in writing.