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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. 

Which program is right for you?

The SSA has two programs that provide long-term disability benefits -- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a program for people with low or no income who generally have never paid Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes. SSDI, a much larger program, helps replace the wages of people who have contributed to FICA. Benefits are based on your income and paid for as long as you have a disability.

How to apply 

To 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. 

Don't give up

Most applications are not approved the first time around, so if yours isn’t, don’t be discouraged – you will have the opportunity to file an appeal. At this point, it may help to seek the services of a disability lawyer, who can help you through the process and increase your chances of being awarded disability. You will only pay for the lawyer’s services if you are awarded benefits, and the SSA puts a limit on how much the lawyer can charge you. If your appeal is denied your final step will likely be to go before an administrative law judge, who will make a determination. Your lawyer can help you prepare for that hearing.  

The bottom line

Although 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. 

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