Four Things You Need To Know About Social Security Disability Insurance

Posted on: 7 March 2017

If you are permanently disabled, one of the things you'll need to do is apply for Social Security disability insurance. Workers who have worked the required amount of time and payed their Social Security taxes may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. However, the process of applying for the benefits that they are entitled to feels daunting for many workers. They may feel it is too complex. Check out a few things you need to know about Social Security disability insurance.

1. Patience Is Key to Securing Approval

It's not uncommon for individuals who apply for Social Security disability to be denied the first time they apply. However, don't take the initial denial as a final answer.

If you are truly disabled, appeal the decision. Consult with the services of a lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability to determine why your case was denied. The lawyer can help you build your case so that you can win your appeal.

2. Documentation Is Key

To secure approval for Social Security disability insurance, you have to be able to prove that you are no longer able to work. One of the best ways to do this is with written documentation from your doctor.

The documentation should be as thorough as possible. Your doctor should provide information concerning the treatments that you have tried and why the treatments were not effective. Dates and details are important to build a strong case. Keep a record of all of your medical appointments so that you can prove you have tried to get better.

3. Social Security Disability Is Designed for Long-term Disabilities

If you think your disability will leave you unable to work for a year or more, then you should apply for Social Security disability. Social Security disability is intended for severe disabilities that are considered to be permanently life changing.

In cases where your disability is expected to last for a year or less, you'll need to apply for short term disability. Most of the time, you'll need to purchase your own short term disability policy, though some states and employers have their own programs.

4. It May Not Replace All of Your Income

The goal of Social Security disability is to ensure disabled individuals can meet their basic living expenses; it is not intended to replace every dollar of your lost income. Even if you are approved for benefits, you may need to go through your budget and cut unnecessary expenditures to maximize the financial power of your benefits.

To learn more, contact a firm like Diamond Law Offices.

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