Disability insurance benefits are paid by the Social Security Administration (SSA) through its Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or its Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Collecting disability payments starts with the submission of a detailed disability insurance application/claim to the SSA and may require follow-up information as required by the Administration.
Step 1
Apply for disability insurance benefits online or by calling the SSA. Do this when you’re unable to continue working because of a medically documented disability. The application will be used by the SSA to ensure that you qualify for the benefits. It will also be used as your claim to determine the amount of money that you will receive.
Step 2
List all of the individual tasks that you perform on your job. Be specific and err on the side of giving too much information instead of too little. The SSA must know the tasks that you are unable to perform because of your disability before they will authorize benefit payments to you.
Step 3
Answer all of the questions in the medical information section completely and accurately. Detail any physical check-ups, doctor visits and emergency room treatments that you’ve had. List any ongoing treatments and medications that you’re taking and carefully explain how your medical problems will impact your ability to perform your present duties.
Step 4
Appeal a denial of benefits for medical reasons by contacting the Social Security Administration and completing their “Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report.” You’ll be asked to update your medical condition and to note any medical treatments that you’ve received.
Appeal a denial of benefits for non-medical reasons by contacting the SSA and asking them to process a Claims Denial Review. Often, missing information on the application triggers benefit denials that can be reversed with your detailed updates.
Tips
To contact the SSA call them 24-hrs a day on 1-800-772-1213 for further automated information. If you want to speak to a representative, call between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you’re hearing impaired call the SSA’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. You can also access the SSA’s Disability Insurance Application and Claims site at http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
and their appeals information page at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10041.html. To collect disability insurance that is not directly linked to your present job, or if you desire higher disability payments than what you can expect from the SSA, consider purchasing private disability insurance from any one of the many private insurance companies that offer such policies.
Warnings
The SSA is a large bureaucracy in the federal government that functions best when its rules and methods are adhered to. When submitting your application to claim disability benefits, do so according to its explicit instructions. State the facts and refrain from emotional argumentation, especially when appealing a denial of benefits. Whenever possible, refer to your treating physician’s opinions about your medical condition and include relevant contact information.
References
Social Security Adminstration: Benefits for People with Disabilities
HCV Advocate: Working When Collecting Disability Benefits http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/WORKING%20WHEN%20COLLECTING%20DISABILITY%20BENEFITS.htm
The Motley Fool: What factors should I consider before buying private disability insurance? http://www.fool.com/insurancecenter/disability/disability05.htm
