One of the main qualifying factors to be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance is that the medical condition preventing you from working has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months.
For some, the medical condition creating the need to apply for SSDI happens instantaneously (i.e., a major car accident or a heart attack). However, for others, the need to apply for SSDI is due to a medical condition that has progressively worsened and the afflicted worker slowly realizes he or she won’t be able to keep working for too much longer.
If your set of circumstances mirrors the latter, you at least have the opportunity to prepare in advance before you stop working altogether and apply for Social Security Disability.
Here are 5 tips to help you plan ahead.
- Talk to your doctors! To be approved for SSDI, it is extremely helpful to have the support of your doctors. Speak to them before you apply to see if they would be agreeable to completing a disability questionnaire on your behalf. If your doctor(s) are unsupportive but you know in your heart you won’t be able to work for too much longer, that is your cue to consult with different doctors who may be more sympathetic to your cause.
- Figure out your financials! On average, it takes 16-20 months to be approved. For most, this is very concerning to not having a full-time income source for that length of time. By planning ahead, you may be able to put aside income from work into savings, speak to family and friends who may be able to offer assistance, or even downsize or move to stay afloat and manage your financials for at least 18 months.
- Plan your health insurance! If your health insurance is through your employer, you may lose your coverage if you lose your job if you do not have or are ineligible for short term/long term disability. As such, you will need to consider how you will pay for your doctors appointments and treatment. A great starting point is to explore and understand Medicaid (in Arizona, this is called AHCCCS) and be prepared to apply for it as soon as you are financially eligible.
- Review your Social Security statement! Your eligibility for SSDI is based on having sufficient work credits on your record. The amount of money you are entitled to collect on disability is determined by your taxable contributions into social security. I recommend you review your Social Security statement by creating a MySSA account (visit www.SSA.gov) and review your statement. Your statement will tell you if you are eligible for SSDI, and if so, how much your monthly benefits would be. If you have difficulties accessing your statement, you can call 1-800 772-1213 and speak to a representative from SSA for assistance.
- Find a real good attorney or advocate! The disability claim process is complex, and mistakes are often unforgiving. I tell clients al the time that the disability system in the United States is “designed to deny”, as is often true with insurance companies at large. It is strongly recommended to hire a reputable attorney or advocate with a proven track record who will be by your side during this lengthy and difficult process. As is true with any important decision in life, research and speak to different firms before you hire the firm you feel most comfortable with.
If you are in the unfortunate position where you know that you will need to apply for disability in the near future, I hope you find this article helpful. If you know someone who may need to file for disability, please send them a link to this page.
Desert Disability® proudly offers free Social Security Disability claim assessments. Please contact us at 480-420-7887 or visit us on the web at www.DesertDisability.com to get started.
