|
|
How do I apply for benefits?Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY). You can ask the SSA to send you the correct forms, and they can answer your questions. You can also visit Social Security Online and download the forms.
In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must have a physical and/or mental problem that keeps you from working for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death. You must also have worked long enough (earned a certain number of "credits") and recently enough under the Social Security System. The specific numbers are handled on a case-by-case basis.
The SSA receives numerous applications for disability benefits. Because of the large volume of applications, it can take a long period of time to receive a decision. If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision. The first appeal will go back to the state agency in Springfield. If you file a second appeal, your file will be sent to the local Office of Hearings and Appeals, where the hearing is heard before an Administrative Law Judge, and may take several months. If you file a third appeal, it will go to the Office of Hearings and Appeals in Virginia, and will take about two years to be decided.
If you receive disability benefits, the benefits won't begin until the sixth full month after the date the Social Security Administration determines the disability began. In addition, you must wait two years before you qualify for Medicare coverage.
|
|
|
|