In instances where one cannot work due to a disability, it is important to know if one is qualified to receive coverage. There is a process that one needs to go through to determine their eligibility and this guide should help clarify the process. Determining the type of disability, work history, and filing the proper paperwork are things that need to consider when applying for disability payments.
The first step is to decide what type of disability one has, which is on the SSA’s list of impairments. Once established, an application must file, and this can be done in person, over the phone, through the mail, or online. More information will then be collected regarding marital status, sex, work history, and other factors to determine the claimant’s application. The information will be sent to the DDS field office to verify if the applicant has a disability, as per definition.
The DDS will attempt to retrieve medical records, or may conduct a consultative examination, to determine the level of the disability. Once the information has been gathered, and the DDS will make the disability determination, and the information will be sent to the field office to make a final decision. If the disability is found to be accurate, they will determine the benefit amount and begin making payments. If an impairment is not found, the claimant’s file will be stored, in the case of an appeal.
Some parameters that determine a disability, according to the SSA. The factors that determine disabilities include currently working, how severe the condition is, whether the condition can be considered as a disabling condition, can one resume their previous work, and what other tasks can be performed. It is important to know what conditions are present and whether or not the claimant can be considered having a disability.
If the conditions and terms determine disability, then payments can be initiated. Disability payments do not start until six months after the disability began. Social Security payments will then be paid the following month for when they are due. To determine the amount that is owed, the information can be found online with a payment calculator to see when the payments can be paid out. Disability can also affect one’s taxes, such as paying taxes towards Social Security, in which case, this would only be effected by other substantial income, such as wages, interest, etc.
