Disability: Where Do I Start?

Many people believe they may qualify for disability, but have no idea where to start. The best place to begin is by filing an application. But how do you do that?

The first thing you need to decide is whether you file for standard disability (Title II or SSDI) or supplemental security income (Title XVI or SSI). In order to qualify for standard disability, you need to have worked half of the last 10 years. If you are not sure if you have worked enough, you can always call your local Social Security office and ask them if you have enough credits to qualify.

Once you decide you are applying for standard disability, the best way to proceed is to go to https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ and file your application. There are a number of other sites that appear very similar to the Social Security website, but the only way to apply directly to the Social Security Administration is through SSA.gov.

The other option for disability benefits is for SSI which is specifically for persons falling below the poverty threshold. To apply for these benefits, you need to contact the local Social Security office and ask them to schedule an appointment to apply. You can apply for both standard disability and SSI if you meet both the work credit requirement and the poverty threshold. If you want to file for both types of benefits, begin the application process online and when asked, indicate you wish to file for SSI. You will then need to contact the local office to complete the SSI portion.

Going through the process can be confusing, stressful, and frustrating for many people. The good news is that you don’t have to go through it alone. You do not need to have money up front to hire an attorney. Call today to get a free consultation today!