Social Security Disability Benefits and Payments

In life, there is only one thing that we know for sure. We were born into this world as infants, and one day, we will depart. All else in between lies in the fate of destiny, with a little influence from our daily lifestyles and decisions. There is no way for us to know for sure what tomorrow will bring. And for many, life’s circumstances can sometimes take a turn down the unanticipated road of disability.

When you live a life of fulfillment, enjoying the pleasures and sometimes taking for granted the ability to care for yourself and the others who depend on you, it can be difficult to face the reality of disability. And at times, it can be quite a challenge to find the necessary help needed to inform yourself about your rights as a disabled individual. In this article, our goal is to shed some light on the subject to give you a better understanding of how to receive disability benefits through our Social Security Disability Benefits program. We will cover the fundamentals of Social Security Disability benefits along with the disability payments you can expect if qualification requirements are met.

What are Social Security Disability Benefits?

Disability payments are made through two government programs - the Social Security Disability Program and the Supplemental Security Income program, also known as SSI. In this article, we will be discussing the Social Security Disability Program.

Social Security Disability Benefits is a government-sanctioned program developed to financially assist people with disabilities. A qualifying disability is classified as a medical condition that is anticipated to last for at least one year or one that is deemed terminal, having the unfortunate fate of ending in death.

SSD Benefits are determined by the employment history of the applicant. In order to qualify for disabilities, you must meet the requirements of two earning tests, one of which is a recent work test determined by your age at the time you became disabled and the other is a duration of work test to determine if you worked long enough under Social Security.

To undergo testing for disability benefits and receive disability payments, you must first file a claim for disability benefits by making an appointment with your local Social Security office. You can make your appointment with a Social Security representative either by calling, toll-free 1-800-772-1213 or applying online at www.socialsecurity.com.

When Should You Apply for Disability Benefits and when will Disability Payments begin?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having a disability, it is absolutely essential to file for disability benefits as soon as possible. The application process for individuals filing for Social Security Benefits can take anywhere from three to five months.

To help the process along, you can begin collecting the necessary information that will be required for the application process ahead of time. You will need to fill out an application for Social Security Benefits as well as a Disability Report, which can be downloaded at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/3368. Other information that will be required includes your social security card, birth certificate, a descriptive work history and your most recent W2. Medical records and contact information to physicians and hospitals will also be required, but can be obtained during the application process. By providing as much of the necessary information upfront, you can help reduce the processing time of your application.

Once an application is accepted, your first disability payment can be expected on the sixth month after filing your claim. Your payment amount is based on calculations of your average lifetime earnings.

Finding yourself with a disability can create quite a strain in your life. Fortunately, we have government programs such as the Social Security Disability Program available to help us in times such as these. Education is of the utmost importance when dealing with a disability. Be sure to obtain as much information as you can by contacting your local Social Security Office as soon as you find yourself in a disabled condition. Their position is made available by the government to assist you in receiving the quality care you deserve as a working American with a disability.