There are three ways to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. However, the fastest and most efficient method is applying electronically. Our office will set-up an appointment with you and you and Mr. Brodak will complete the application together. The application process will last around one to one and a half hours.

It’s no secret that Social Security Disability claims can take months or even years to be approved. This can be very frustrating to those who need Social Security Disability benefits to make ends meet. The fact of the matter is that the length of your approval time will depend on your specific disability case. There are three levels at which time you can be approved or disapproved. If you are denied at one step our office will appeals to the next for you. The initial step takes between three to six months, depending on the complexity of you case, to receive a decision. If you are denied our office will request a Reconsideration. The reconsideration process can take an additions 3 months to receive and answer. If the Reconsideration is denied, we will request a hearing before a Federal Administration Law Judge. It can take an additional six months to get a hearing date. In all, you should be ready to wait 12 to 18 months to go through the entire process.

If your application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, you will need to file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the letter. If you are denied at the initial level, do not assume you will not get Social Security Disability benefits. Many people go on to successfully appeal a denied claim.

Many people assume that individuals who receive Social Security Disability benefits are not allowed to earn any income at all. This is not the case. People who receive Social Security Disability are allowed to earn an income, but that income must not exceed the maximum level set by the Social Security Administration each year.

If you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security office may determine that your benefits need to be handled by a representative payee. This person will be responsible for collecting your benefits and paying your living expenses every month. Usually this will occur when the Social Security office feels that a person is unable to manage their benefits on their own. Most people who are approved do not need a Representative Payee, however.

If you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits and your representative payee misuses your money, you need to go down to the Social Security office and make them aware of this fact. They will investigate on your behalf and will take appropriate measures.

Yes, if you want to return to the workplace at some point in the future there are programs in place to make the transition easier. The Ticket to Work program allows you to work nine months within a five-year period without losing benefits. However, be aware that if you work nine consecutive or nonconsecutive months in any five-year period of earning more than the Social Security Administration maximum level of income, your Social Security Disability benefits will be discontinued.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the program you pay into while you are working. As you pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. If you are determined to be disabled and you have enough credits, you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, is a need-based program. In addition to being disabled you must meet the income limit requirements to receive this type of benefit. If you meet the income limit requirements for SSI, you can receive benefits even if you have never worked, this includes disabled children.

Once you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you will begin receiving monthly disability benefit payments. You may also receive a lump-sum back payment depending on the date you were deemed to be disabled. Periodically, your Social Security Disability case will be reviewed. This will happen every one to seven years depending on your disability.

Yes, but this situation is rare. The only people who are in jeopardy of losing their benefits are those who medically recover sufficiently to return to work or those who stop treating for their medical impairments entirely.