SSA Basic Information
Who is Eligible?
Social Security Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Disability benefits are quite simple. You must live in the United States and have worked recently and contributed to FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) and earned sufficient ‘points’ to qualify. Anyone who has worked and contributed to FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) which is automatically deducted from your paycheck is eligible to apply for disability benefits regardless of citizenship. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. To better understand current work requirements and earnings points go to http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html#part3 and scroll down to “How do I meet the earnings requirement for disability benefits?”
SSI – Supplemental Security Income
If you’ve never worked or have not worked recently and are disabled you can qualify for SSI. Since there is little or no income base SSI benefits are much lower than if you received regular SSDI benefits. To learn more about SSI visit http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11000.html#part1
Cash Benefits
Benefits are paid on a monthly basis and continued until you are able to work again on a regular basis or you reach retirement age.. Your cash benefits are based on your past earnings. You receive Medicare benefits two years after your approval date. To estimate your disability amount request a Social Security Statement at http://www.ssa.gov/mystatement/. Or if you know your earnings history you can use a benefits calculator at http://www.ssa.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm.
Cash benefits have a five month waiting period. Since payment is at the end of a 30 day period, you’ll receive benefits six months after the date of acceptance. But, you’ll receive a lump sum check for back benefits before your monthly check arrives. Back benefits are based on the date you stopped working or your income fell below the substantial gainful activity level (SGA).
Options for Applying for Benefits
You can apply for benefits in three different ways:
You can apply for benefits by contacting the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for an appointment. They will make an appointment which you can keep calling to postpone for six months. By calling the SSA will send you an introductory package with the ‘official’ double sided application.
Gaining in popularity is filing on line. You can breeze through the application in ½ hr which is the primary problem with filing on line. I do not recommend filing on-line. A thorough application with evidence is not possible on-line.
You can download the Adult Disability Report ( SSA 3368) from link Social Security forms, complete the application and mail it in to your local office. This method allows you to avoid going into the SSA office. If they need to conduct an interview you can do it on the phone.
Information Needed For the Application
Have the following information ready when you apply:
Your name, gender and social security number
Your birth or baptismal certificate
Names, address and phone number of the doctors, caseworkers, hospitals and clinics that took care of you and dates of your visits
Names and dosages of all medicine you take
Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers including laboratory results
A summary of what kind of work you did and he dates for the past fifteen years
A copy of your most recent W-2 or if you are self employed your federal tax return for the past year
If you were in the military, the original certified copy of your military discharge papers (Form DD-214) for all periods of active duty.
If applicable, workman's compensation information including dates of injury, claim number and proof of payment amounts.
Your checking and savings account numbers
Social Security numbers for spouse and children
|
Copyright 2009 © All Rights Reserved. TAKA Publishing. |