How to Apply For SSDI

INTRODUCTION

The Social Security Disability Insurance Program is often referred to as SSDI. This is a Federal government program that provides benefits for disabled individuals who qualify under this plan but are not eligibile for benefits under any other for disability plan. 

WHO IS CONSIDERED TO BE DISABLED?

The SSDI program is a Federal government benefit for disabled workers. Under the terms of this law, an applicant is defined as disabled under SSDI, the applicant must:

• Be unable to do any substantial work because of his or her medical condition(s). 
• These medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 1 year.
• Another possibility is that these medical conditions are expected to result in your death. 
• Patients with SEVERE cases of lymphedema, and who meet these criteria, can apply for benefits under these S.S.D.I. programs.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS

The process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance due to health issues is not a simple one and simply obtaining a statement from your physician will not be sufficient to make you eligible.

• You cannot get disability benefits just because your doctor says you are disabled. There are forms to be completed, documents to be submitted, and an interview appointments to be completed at your local Social Security office. In an effort to facilitate the application process, the S.S.D.I. encourages you to visit their website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/disability.htm. Once on that site, click of the tab "DISABILITY"

• The disability decision is made by a state agency, not a Federal agency. This group consists of medical and vocational experts. This agency may request an examination or medical tests. If asked, taking these tests is required; however, you do not pay for these services.
• It usually takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision about these benefits. Completing the Medical and Job Worksheet that is available online can speed this process.
• To apply for a child who is younger than 18 years of age, go to the website http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/ and click on Child, Under Age 18 Years.

GET A HEADSTART   

You do not have to wait for an appointment to start the paperwork procedure. You can do this by going online to the http://www.socialsecurity.gov/adultdisabilityreport website.

The Social Security and Disability Resource Center (SSDRC.com) is an informational website that provides answers to questions about how to apply for disability, how to appeal a claim in the event of a denial, how to navigate the federal system, and how to avoid certain mistakes that are commonly made by applicants. The site’s author is a former disability examiner for the social security administration.

STEP 1
Review the "Adult Checklist."
STEP 2
Fill out the online "Disability Benefit Application."

STEP 3 
Take, or mail, these completed forms to your local Social Security office."
 

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information you can visit the Social Security website http://www.socialsecurity.gov and search on disability, asking the interviewer during your appointment, or toll-free by telephone at 800-772-1213.
• Another helpful resource is the booklet titled “What You Should Know Before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits.” You can print a copy of this booklet from this website (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/)
• The Social Security and Disability Resource Center (www.SSDRC.com) is an informational website that provides answers to questions about how to apply for disability, how to appeal a claim in the event of a denial, how to navigate the federal system, and how to avoid certain mistakes that are commonly made by applicants. The site’s author is a former disability examiner for the social security administration. This page has information about the disability application process: http://www.ssdrc.com/15-23.html.

© LymphNotes.com 2012.This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional, or a consultation with a Social Security employee.  

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Category: How Lymphedema is Treated Updated: 2013-05-03