Applying for Disability
A career can provide you with an income and give you a sense of purpose, but when your health makes it impossible for you to work or the demands of your job are taking a toll on your health, it may be time to consider applying for disability benefits. Disability programs can help make it possible to pay your bills when you are unable to work.
When your disease is flaring and you just need some time off to recover, you may be eligible for short-term disability through your job. If you expect to need time off indefinitely, long-term disability offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be an option.
When your disease is flaring and you just need some time off to recover, you may be eligible for short-term disability through your job. If you expect to need time off indefinitely, long-term disability offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be an option.
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How to applyTo apply for SSI or SSDI, visit your local Social Security office or call (800) 772-1213. You can also apply for either one online (www.ssa.gov/ssi for SSI or www.ssa.gov for SSDI). To apply you will need to fill out a number of forms covering your work history, activity limitations and names of all doctors who have treated you for up to a year before your disability began. Once you have submitted you application, SSA will contact your doctors and collect information to support your claim. You can help the process by alerting your doctors and also submitting X-rays or test results yourself.
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The bottom lineAlthough the process can be long and complicated, for people who persist, it often pays off. If you are awarded benefits, payment can be retroactive up to 12 months.
Certainly you would choose to work if you could, but Social Security Disability programs provide a safety net and provides and income to help meet your financial obligations and care for your family when working is not an option. |