1. Obtain appropriate medical care for the illness or injury. Appropriate medical information documenting the condition is essential.
2. File an application with any Social Security office. Just when to file a claim can be a tricky question because of the requirement of proof that the disability must prevent a person from working for at least one full year. Applications may be filed by phone, mail, or in person. If the applicant has questions about completing the application or about the claims process, it may be helpful to consult with a representative from Lighthouse Social Security Services, concentrating in Social Security disability law.
3. The application will be sent to a Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. Based upon the application and available medical data, DDS will decide if the applicant qualifies. If the information provided to DDS is insufficient, the applicant may be asked to undergo an examination. Although DDS uses qualified physicians, these exams are sometimes criticized for being quick and superficial, perhaps because DDS is allowed to pay very little for them.
4. Once DDS makes a decision, SSA will adopt that decision and the applicant will receive a written notice - if the claim is approved, the notice will show the benefit amount and the month payments begin; if the claim is denied, the notice will state why.
5. In most cases, an initial claim for benefits is denied. Three levels of administrative appeal are available:
|