Know about Social Security Long-term Disability

Many Americans are not capable of holding any type of employment because they have a medical condition that makes it physically or mentally impossible for them to do the tasks at work. If this is the case, you may benefit from social security long term disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not give money to people with partial or short-term disability.  They have very strict guidelines on this matter.

Processing your Application

You can apply for disability benefits in two easy ways.  There is an online application available or you may call their toll-free number.  When you call, you will be able to make an appointment to make a claim at your local SSA office. If your appointment schedule has been confirmed, you will also receive the Disability Starter Kit which provides more detailed information on your benefits.  The Starter Kit is also available online.

As a general rule, you need to apply for disability benefits just as soon as you become disabled.  It may take a few months to process the claim, so you have to wait about three to five months before you get approval. In order to expedite your claim approval, you have to completely submit all information which includes Social Security number, birth or baptismal certificate, medical records, names and dosage of medicine, laboratory and test results, and a summary of where you worked and the tasks that you did.

Qualifying Guidelines

The Social Security Administration uses a methodical process in order to determine if you are qualified for disability benefits.  Under the rules of Social Security, you are considered disabled if you fall under three conditions: you cannot do the work that you did before, you cannot adjust to other work because of your condition, and your disability is expected to last for a year or may result in death.

How does Social Security decide whether you are disabled? There are five questions that need to be answered: (1) Are you working? (2) Is your condition “severe”? (3) Is your condition found in the list of disabilities? (4) Can you do the work you did previously? and (5) Can you do any other type of work?

After establishing that you are indeed disabled, in order to qualify for Social Security long-term disability, you must have been employed in jobs that are covered by the agency. The benefits continue until you are able to come to work again on a regular basis.

The Connection between Social Security Long Term Disability

If you are receiving long-term disability income from a privately-owned insurance company, your Social Security long-term disability benefit might be affected. Insurance companies place a lot of conditions and clauses in their long-term disability policies.  Before claiming for Social Security disability insurance, you may want to sort through the information with an attorney or an insurance company representative.  You are able to qualify for long-term disability benefits through a private insurer if your condition causes you not to perform your job indefinitely.  However, as we mentioned earlier, the word “disability” is different for Social Security. Under Social Security, you are only eligible for benefits if you are deemed completely unable to do your job.