In the United States, disability benefits are available through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income program, also known as SSI. Applying for disability benefits isn't complicated, but it can take several months to process so it is important to apply as soon as you know you cannot work.

How To Claim Disability Benefits

You can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov or you can call their toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to set up an appointment to file a disability claim at the nearest Social Security office. If you cannot leave your house, you can make an appointment for someone to take your claim over the phone. The phone number for the deaf or hearing-impaired is 1-800-325-0778. Within a few days of calling, you will receive a Disability Starter Kit through the mail, which will help you to prepare the necessary documentation needed for the claims interview. These will include your Social Security number; birth certificate; medical records from any medical treatments you have received pertaining to your disability from all medical institutions; contact information of all medical professionals you see regularly; a brief history of where you worked and what kind of profession you held; lab and test results; all medications and dosages you currently take and have taken in the past few months; and a copy of your most recent W-2 form or your most recent tax return. It is important to be thorough and bring all documents that the Starter Kit tells you to bring to avoid any delays in processing.

The Review Process

The Disability Determination Services office of your state will review your application and see if your medical condition is listed on a list of impairments that are considered severe enough to define you as disabled by law. If your condition is not on this listing of impairments but is comparable to the severity of an impairment according to your medical records, you may still be considered disabled. The next step is to check if you can do other work besides what you did in the past. If it is found through your work experience and education that you cannot, you will be considered disabled. If approved, benefits will begin after the sixth full month after the date the disability began. The amount of the benefits is based upon lifetime average earnings. You may request an estimate of what the benefits will be through the website.

Source:

Social Security Online

More Information:

Disability Benefits Information Website