From car accidents to an unpredictable stroke, there are many reasons why you may suddenly become disabled. Although some impairments allow you to continue working, there are many that prevent you from doing so; which is why the government established Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
If you become disabled, our social security attorneys at Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A. recommend that you apply right away. Social Security Disability Benefits will not begin until the sixth full month of your disability. So the quicker you apply, the sooner you will start receiving your benefits!
How to apply
There are a few ways you’re able to complete your social security disability application. You can apply:
- At your local Social Security office
- Call 1-800-772-1213 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Online at www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
When you call, a representative will walk you through the application process over the phone or will schedule a time for an in-person appointment at one of their convenient locations.
If you elect the online application option, you will be taken to an online form. The form will ask you several personal questions such as your date and place of birth, employer name, medical conditions and more. You can access a full checklist of information you will need here. Follow the form carefully, as a small mistake can cause a denial of your claim.
When filling out the online application, please take note of the following:
- Your information may not be saved after 25 minutes of inactivity. If you don’t do anything on the application page for 25 minutes, the webpage will warn you that it will not save. You then have the option to extend your time on this page, but after the third warning, you have to move forward on the page or your information will not be saved.
- You don’t have to complete the entire application in one sitting. You can save it and finish it another time if needed. Next time you sign in, go to “Return to a Saved Application.”
- You are able to skip questions and come back to them later. You may have some questions that you may want to come back to later. You can skip those and save the application so you can come back to them later before you submit your application.
- Certain characters may not be allowed. Periods, commas, or other special characters are not allowed to be used for some answers, which includes addresses. You will get a message if you need to go back and remove such characters.
- Be sure to review your application before you submit it. Once you have completed your application, you will get a chance to review and confirm your answers.
- You are signing your application when you submit. When you click “Submit Now.” you are signing and submitting your application. Someone else can fill out the application for you, but they are not allowed to sign it for you. You can then check the status of your application using a confirmation number that will be provided.
Qualifications for Social Security Disability Insurance
You pay into the system
Our Social Security System is based on a pay-in / pay-out model. In other words, when you work at your job, you pay taxes to the Social Security System. If you become disabled, you, your spouse, or your dependent children are eligible for a monthly benefit. However, just because you pay into the system, it does not guarantee that you will be automatically approved if you file for social security disability.
Your disability aligns with their criteria
The definition of a disability under the Social Security Administration is different from other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. You may be considered disabled under Social Security if:
- You cannot do work that you did before;
- They decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s)
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
Hire a Social Security Lawyer
If you want to make sure that you are getting the most out of your social security or have been denied, contact our team at Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A.
The law firm of Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A. has been serving Jacksonville and surrounding counties since 1986. We have a team of social security lawyers in Jacksonville, FL who can help you in your time of need. Our experience has shown that the earlier in the case that we are hired, the more we are able to help our clients in their time of need.
To let the Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A. social security lawyers assist you, call 904-777-7777 or click our Jacksonville social security attorneys page to learn how we can help you.
