How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance

Nobody wants to have to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Insurance but there are times when it is inevitable. The first thing you need to know is the difference between the two. While they are both the same thing they are funded differently, and the criteria for being accepted is different.

Social Security Insurance is a "needs" based program and is based on the proof that you are disabled and cannot do substantial gainful activity. To qualify for SSI you have to have no income or resources and have a doctor's certification that determines you cannot work. If you are a child under 18 and are disabled your household income is considered.

For Social Security Disability Insurance you have to be insured which means you have to have paid enough quarters of coverage from your payroll deductions. When applying for SSDI the representative will let you know if you are insured. It also has to be determined by your doctor that you will be disabled for more than a year.

The first thing to do is contact the Social Security Administration at 800/772-1213. You have to tell the phone representative at this point that you want to make application for disability. Then they will make an in-office interview appointment, or telephone interview appointment for a later date if you are unable to make it into the Social Security Disability Insurance office. The application interview will take from 1-2 hours. Your SSDI counselor will let you know the documents you need. Your counselor may feel you are entitled to both SSDI and SSI and if so the counselor will automatically apply for both.

You should contact your doctor and try to get any medical records to substantiate your claim for disability. You will be sent release forms for you records in the mail. Sign and return them promptly. On occasion you may have to get your medical records yourself, if so do this right away as this can be a lengthy process. Ask at your phone interview if you are uncertain. It has been suggested that it makes the process happen faster if you get the records yourself and mail or hand deliver them on your own. If you are having a hard time with this process and feel that you need help during your interview, have a family member or good friend accompany you.

If you request a copy of your Social Security Disability Insurance records this statement will let you know what your benefits would be if you applied for disability or retirement. This statement will let you know if you are covered under the rules of SSDI. On occasion you will receive this in the mail but if you move they may not be able to access an address and you will have to request a copy on your own.

Do not be discouraged by the paper work. There are agencies that assist disabled people with their applications, and there are advocates that handle these applications for no fee.

Remember you have the right to apply for SSA, they have to send you a written letter informing you whether you qualify or not. If you are turned down after applying, appeal your decision. Only hire an attorney if you are turned down twice on appeal. There are many things that you may be eligible for if you cannot work.

Apply for General Assistance from your nearest Human and Health services or nearest Community Service Office. You may qualify for medical under the auspices that you are disabled. You will be required to get a separate doctor's examination for the General Assistance, and while you may not get a cash grant and medical benefits right away, you will be able to get food stamps right away.

You will be asked questions in your doctor's examination about your physical as well as your mental state. Be honest; if you are feeling anxious, depressed or suicidal tell the doctor. The doctor may be able to give you samples of medication during your visit to tide you over temporarily.

If you become very ill and have to seek medical care, go to the emergency room. Let them know when they do the financial screening at the hospital that you have filed a disability claim and save any billing information to submit for payment to whoever issues you your medical coupons later. If the application process drags on and you pressed for payment you can fill out forms for financial assistance from the hospital itself. It is my understanding that Franciscan Hospitals will turn no one away and I recommend that you go to these hospitals if you have no insurance at the time you need medical care.

This can be a long process because of the red tape. You will have to do without during this time and hopefully you have a good support system of friends and family. Do what you can to remain positive and above all be your own advocate. Do not procrastinate or put off taking care of any requests for information that is asked of you.