Financial help is available if you end up with a disability.Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are federal programs that Washington residents can apply for.You can apply for them at the same time.Apply promptly with the appropriate office.
Step 1: If you do, check if you qualify.
Some people don't qualify for disability benefits.A number of impairments, both physical and mental, that will automatically qualify an individual for SSDI or SSI are listed in the Social Security Administration's impairment listing manual.If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be able to do the work you did before.It is expected that your disability will last at least a year.If you apply for SSDI, you have earned enough work credits.Look at your Social Security statement to find out.If you plan to file for SSI, you can demonstrate low income.
Step 2: You should collect your medical data.
If your disability is serious enough to qualify, the SSA will need to review your medical history.You can provide copies of medical records if you have them.If you don't have everything, apply.You can request medical records from SSA.Provide SSA with the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the doctors and hospitals that have treated you.Your patient ID number is included.List all of the conditions you have been diagnosed with.Tell SSA what you're taking and who prescribed it.SSA will want to know if you filed a workers' compensation claim in the past.
Step 3: Write down what you did.
You won't qualify for benefits if you do any meaningful work.For the past 15 years, give the following information about your job titles.The names of your employers.A description of the work you did.Your medical condition can affect your ability to do the job.
Step 4: Take the time to gather your personal information.
SSA wants to make the application process run more smoothly.Obtain a copy of your birth certificate.If you were not born in the U.S., you need to provide proof of your citizenship.Your Social Security number.Your birth place.If applicable, any military discharge papers.Your children's names and dates of birth.Your spouse's name, Social Security number, and the date you got married.This information should be included for any former spouses.
Step 5: The financial information should be gathered.
Financial need is what determines Supplemental Security Income.The amount of money you made this year and last year is required for this reason.You filled out your W-2 form last year.If you are self-employed, you have a tax return for last year.Your bank's account number.
Step 6: Please call.
You can apply over the phone.Someone is available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm.You can deliver your paperwork to the SSA office by mail or hand.You can call if you are hard of hearing.To complete your application, you must have all of the required documents, which include your medical records.There is workers' compensation documentation.There are names and dates of birth for your spouse and children.There are dates of marriages and divorces.Banking information.If SSA can't find you, contact someone who can.If you provide your packet, you can complete the medical release form.The medical and job application was completed by an adult.
Step 7: Go online to apply.
You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi.Once you complete the online application, you can mail or hand deliver your paperwork to the SSA office.
Step 8: If you schedule an appointment, you will get to apply in person.
You might want to apply in person if you have a lot of questions.You can schedule an appointment by calling your SSA office.You can find your nearest office by using the locator.Your interview will be used as an eligibility interview for SSDI and SSI.You need to bring your medical records with you to your appointment.There are workers' compensation paperwork.There are names and dates of birth for your spouse and children.There are dates of marriages and divorces.Banking information.If SSA can't find you, contact someone who can.If you provide your packet, you can complete the medical release form.The medical and job application was completed by an adult.
Step 9: Medical tests or exams need to be taken.
SSA might need more information to make a decision.They might ask you to take medical tests or have another doctor look at you.SSA will pay for the tests and reimburse you for travel.
Step 10: Your determination letter will be forwarded to you.
It takes a long time to process your application.You will get a letter with the results.When benefits begin and how much you get paid will be known if you are approved.The letter will explain your appeal rights if you are denied benefits.The majority of claims are denied.
Step 11: Request to be reconsidered.
Reconsideration is the first appeal.The same agency that reviewed your initial application will take a second look.If your condition has worsened since you applied, you should provide updated medical records.You can request consideration by contacting the SSA office.You can get the forms from them.60 days after you receive a rejection notice, ask for reconsideration.Don't worry, most people are denied at this level.You are more likely to be approved at the next level.
Step 12: You can schedule a hearing.
Your second appeal is a hearing before an administrative law judge.At the hearing stage, your chances of getting benefits go up a lot.You can request the hearing by reading your letter.Don't delay.Administrative law judges approve about half of the cases they hear.It will take about a year for your hearing to be fixed.If you win, you can get benefits all the way back to when you became disabled.It's called your backpay.
Step 13: An attorney can help with that.
If you have a disability attorney who can present your case in a logical way to the judge, your chances of success will go up.You can get a referral to a Washington attorney by contacting your county bar association, which can be found at http://www.wsba.org/ Legal-Community/County-Bar-Associations.Disability attorneys only represent contingency clients.They only get paid if they win.Federal law limits the amount your attorney can collect to 25% of your backpay amount.Your lawyer may be able to collect more if he takes the appeal up through the appeals court system.Postage or copying costs are likely to be paid by you.These costs should not be more than $200.