Applying for disability benefits in Philadelphia can be a smooth process or a tedious one depending on how prepared you are. Knowing what information the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be looking for can help you save time during the application process by collecting the needed documents ahead of time. Strong evidence for your disability will increase your chances of receiving an acceptance letter. Talk to a Philadelphia individual disability insurance lawyer if you have experienced problems with your application. 

Beginning Stages of Disability Benefits Application

Adapting to a serious disability with new limitations can be difficult to manage at first. You have to figure out whether you can still work and if not, where your new income will come from. Disability benefits programs from the SSA can help cover your income needs, but the application process itself can appear daunting to new people.

You can apply for disability benefits online, through your local office, or by phone. Knowing what questions you may be asked ahead of time can help you prepare strong answers. Depending on what type of disability you have and the complications your disability comes with, you may be asked about what medications you are on as a result and which medical tests were used to diagnose you. They may ask questions about what your doctor said about limitations caused by your disability.

More general questions include asking for the date you last worked, doctor contact information, and information on your marital status. Other questions may be asked depending on which type of benefits you apply for. If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income, you will likely be asked about your income, house bills, who lives with you, and your bank account levels. 

You may also be asked to submit or send evidence of your disability through copies of your medical records, employer’s records, or doctor’s notes. 

How the SSA Determines Disability Benefits

The two main disability programs offered are Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI. SSDI is for people who are blind or who have a long-term disability. These people must have also worked enough to have supplied contributions to social security. SSI is provided for people who may still be able to work despite their disability, but who are struggling with a low income. 

Before applying, try to figure out which program best fits your situation. A lawyer can help you find the program that best matches your needs if you have questions. To qualify for both, you need to meet the definition of a disability. This definition requires you to have been diagnosed with a disability that significantly limits your ability to work and one that will last at least a year. The only exception is if your disability is deemed terminal. 

Disability Lawyer in Philadelphia

Applying for disability benefits can be overwhelming depending on your situation and type of disability. Try talking to a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you have questions about the process or have encountered obstacles during the application process. Contact Edelstein & Nelson at 1-800-300-0909 for a consultation today. Our goal is to help you earn the benefits you need.