The federal government has several programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Of these disability assistance programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the largest.
Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.
File an Application
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process. While you can apply on your own, many individuals choose to get help from a Social Security disability representative. To be connected to a representative, call 1-845-682-1881.
Apply immediately if you have become disabled and expect to be disabled for at least one year. You can file for disability benefits online. Alternatively, you can make an appointment with your local Social Security office and file a disability claim in person or via phone by calling Social Security’s toll-free telephone number 1-800-772-1213.
A decision to either award or deny benefits will be made. You will be notified in writing by mail. There is currently a backlog in processing initial applications, so expect a delay of at least 12 months.
Do you Qualify?
Social Security explains the rules for qualifying for benefits here.
How does Social Security Determine if I’m Disabled?
Learn more about how Social Security makes disability determinations here.
What do I do if I’ve been denied?
Read the denial notice you receive from Social Security carefully — it will tell you what you need to do.
Generally, here are the next steps to take:
1) File an appeal right away.
If you are denied benefits, you should appeal as soon as possible (within 60 days of the date on the denial notice).
2) Request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If your claim is denied at the Initial and Reconsideration phases, you must request an ALJ hearing to appeal.
3) Request review by the Appeals Council
If your claim is denied at the ALJ hearing stage, you can appeal to Social Security’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council reviews hearing decisions and can “remand” or send cases back to judges when they make mistakes. It also reverses decisions in a small share of cases. It can take about a year to get a decision from the Appeals Council.
If your claim is still denied at this level, you can file an appeal in Federal Court.
4) Get help
You have the right to representation. Consider getting help from a Social Security disability attorney or representative — the sooner, the better. Call 1-845-682-1881 to be connected with a representative.
You have the right to representation. Consider getting help from a Social Security disability attorney or representative — the sooner, the better. Call 1-845-682-1881 to be connected with a representative who can help you, no matter your case phase.
