When To Apply for Disability – Top Questions

Just how long should I wait after becoming disabled before I'm able to apply for Social Security disability benefits? 

Not even a day. Generally, you should apply sooner rather than later. You can apply for Social Security disability benefits in Missouri and Illinois on the same day that you are disabled. Many individuals make the error of waiting months or even years after becoming disabled before processing a Social Security disability claim. There is no reason to file a Social Security disability claim if one has only a mild illness or one which isn't likely to last a year or more. However, someone who suffers severe illness or injury and is expecting to be jobless for a year or more should not delay in filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits.

I am disabled, but I have a sufficient amount of money in the bank for the time being. Do I have to wait until this money is gone before I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

No. If you've worked in the past few years or if you're applying for disabled widow's or widower's benefits or Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits, it is not important how much money you have in the bank. There is no need to wait to file for Social Security disability benefits.

May I receive Social Security disability benefits along with Medicare and/or Medicaid?

Everyone eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is also entitled to Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. In this waiting period for Medicare, an individual may be eligible for health insurance through a former employer. The employer should be contacted for information about health insurance coverage.

Generally, a person receiving SSI is eligible for Medicaid. In most states, a determination will be made by the Social Security administration on an individual’s capacity to receive Medicaid. However, in some states, a different application is needed. Information on SSI and Medicaid in your state is available online. It's possible to get both Medicare and Medicaid if you've got a low income and limited resources.

People in the Metro East St. Louis area from Edwardsville, IL to St. Charles, Missouri have an invaluable resource for information regarding social security disability. Contact the offices of Kassin and Carrow today for further information on how to get the benefits you deserve.

Top Social Security Disability Questions

Trying to get Social Security disability benefits is definitely a difficult process. Even though you can apply by yourself, lots of people choose to get help from a Social Security disability attorney as they go through the approval process because that makes things considerably less stressful on the applicant.

Application Steps

1.   Apply immediately if you've become disabled and expect to be disabled over a year.
2.   Your application will be assessed by a state disability agency.
3.   A decision to either award or deny benefits will be made and you'll be notified in writing, by mail. It will take between 3 and 4 months to get a decision.
4.   If your application is denied, you can appeal. You have to appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial notice.

How does Social Security determine if I am disabled?

•   When you file a claim for benefits, your application is delivered to a Social Security disability examiner at the disability determination agency in your state. The disability examiner, working with a doctor, accumulates your medical records and meticulously considers all your health problems, together with your age, education, and work experience.

•   The examiner assesses your qualification for benefits, including whether you're able to do your past work or if you are able to do other types of work.

•   The disability examiner then makes the primary decision on your application.

Why does Social Security take into consideration my age in determining whether I'm disabled?

The Social Security Act requires the Social Security Administration to consider age in identifying disability. As people get older, they become less adaptable, less able to switch to different jobs to handle health problems. A serious foot injury which might cause a thirty year old to switch to a job where he or she can sit down most of the time, may disable a 60 year-old individual that could not make the adjustment to an alternative kind of work.

Is there an index of conditions that SSA considers disabling?

Some applicants have medical conditions which are so extreme that their conditions clearly meet disability standards. To promptly recognize and assist these individuals, SSA has a list of Compassionate Allowances, or conditions that will qualify for benefits based on minimal evaluation and official medical records. Additionally, there are 14 different kinds of “listed impairments” where SSA will consider particular medical tests and limitations to produce a faster disability determination, without having to consider age, education, or work experience.  Most kinds of illnesses, however, can vary from slight to severe. This makes defining disability tricky, as it is dependent on how severely the illness or disease has impacted you.

Exactly what can I do to boost my chances of winning my Social Security disability claim?
First, be honest and complete in giving information to Social Security about what's disabling you. Lots of claimants, for example, fail to mention psychiatric issues to Social Security since they are embarrassed about them. Some individuals who were slow learners in school fail to mention this fact to Social Security, although it can have a good deal to do with whether or not the Social Security disability claim is approved.

Second, be persistent in appealing, and think about help from an attorney. Two-thirds of claims are turned down at the initial level, and many applicants are accepted at higher levels of review. A knowledgeable advocate who knows about the disability determination process like the attorneys of Kassin and Carrow in St. Louis, Missouri can help.

How long will it take before Social Security makes a decision once I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits?

Generally Social Security makes the first decision inside of four months.

Where can I go to get help with my Social Security disability claim?

For assistance, go to a lawyer or other individual that represents Social Security disability claimants on a regular basis. If you reside in Edwardsville, Granite City, or Alton, Illinois, the offices of Kassin and Carrow would be a great place to go. They have the experience you need at a price that you can afford. You can contact them by calling their offices at 1-800-273-8380.