The Social Security Administration advises disabled workers to apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as they become disabled. The approval process takes between three and five months once the application is submitted. If the benefit application is denied, the appeals process will take much longer.
Claimants—those applying for Social Security Disability—can apply online, by phone or in person at a Social Security field office. In order to apply, they must complete both the Application for Benefits and the Adult Disability Report form. It is important to take the time to fill out the forms accurately and completely and to obtain as much of the required information as possible. The more information claimants provide, the faster the process will move. Claimants should be prepared to supply the following information:
- Social Security Number
- Birth certificate or other proof of age
- Name and birth dates of spouse and minor children
- Marriage and divorce dates
- Contact information for doctors, clinics and hospitals that have provided treatment for the disability as well as the dates of those treatments
- Medications and dosages
- Medical records already gathered
- Medical test results
- Work history for the last fifteen years, including company name, location, job title, job description and rate of pay
- Most recent W-2 form or copy of federal tax return
Once the Application for Benefits and the Adult Disability Report forms have been completed, the Social Security field office representative will verify that all of the non-medical eligibility requirements have been met. If the applicant qualifies for disability benefits based on non-medical requirements, the case is forwarded to the Disability Determination Service (DDS) for medical evaluation. The DDS reviews the medical evidence supplied, acquires additional medical information and makes the decision to either approve or deny the application.
Unfortunately, Social Security Disability benefits are often denied by the DDS. The attorneys at Schmidt Kramer are familiar with Social Security law and can help clients appeal the decision and win their Social Security Disability case. If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, contact a York Social Security Disability attorney for help with your appeal. The toll free number is (717) 888-8888 and the consultation is free.