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Best Practices to Get Social Security Disability Benefits Approved
Although many people believe that they will not suffer from a disability, statistics show that more than one in every four people in their 20s will become disabled by the time they are 67 years old. For those individuals who are working and then become disabled, they may qualify for Social Security benefits. If disability strikes you or someone you know, there is some important information you should know about how to increase the chances of having your disability benefits request approved.
Generally, an individually who cannot work for a period of one year or more due to a disability will qualify for benefits as outlined by the Social Security Administration. These benefits usually include a monthly cash payment to help cover living expenses while out of work. Financial assistance from Social Security will continue until the individual is well and able to return to work. Social Security will also offer work incentives or special rules that offer healthcare coverage and other benefits to assist individuals in finding a job and returning to the workforce.
One of the first steps in ensuring that Social Security disability benefits get approved is to work with a team of professionals to help build the case. This team should include a knowledgeable Social Security disability lawyer, reputable doctor and treatment facilities with excellent track records. In order to support claims made to the Social Security Administration, it is important to have proper documentation of all medical examinations and procedures that surround the individual’s given disability.
Social Security disability benefits should be applied for as soon as the individual becomes disabled and cannot work. Disability applications are accepted through telephone, online, or by making an appointment with the Social Security office. In order to shorten the three to five month application processing time, the individual should have all the required employment and medical documentation on hand to present and have a knowledgeable attorney on retainer to assist with the overall process.
Once the application is submitted and approved, benefits will begin to be paid out on the full sixth month after the onset of the individual’s disability. The amount of the monthly benefit payment will be determined by the lifetime average of Social Security-covered earnings. In order to help determine the amount of benefits to be received, an individual should seek the guidance of a Social Security disability lawyer or use the online tools made available through the Social Security Administration’s website.
As required by law, periodic review of the disability benefits is required. Individuals who are receiving benefits will continue to be provided with them for the duration of their disability. If their health improves to the point where employment is possible and the disability is no longer, the benefits will stop. If the individual decides to return to work despite their disabilities, benefits will also cease to be paid. Individuals receiving benefits are required to report either situation to the administration.