Members of the National Organization of Social Security
Claimant's Representatives, we have been successfully representing our
community in the areas of Social Security, SSI, Terminations, Overpayments,
and Medicare. Please read our Disclaimer!
Hidden Benefits for
Younger Americans
If you are disabled and unable to work, you may have already qualified for
Social Security benefits - no matter how old you are. Social Security Disability
is a government insurance policy designed to assist taxpayers of all ages who,
because of illness or injury (mental or physical) are unable to work for a
period of over one year, or who suffer from a condition which will result in
death.
Am I too young for Social Security Disability?
No. Benefits are available to all wage earners regardless of age.
Does my disability have to be work related?
No. Any disabling condition qualifies regardless of cause.
How do I know if this applies to me?
If you will be disabled for one year or longer or suffer from a condition
which will result in death within one year, you may have already met the first
requirement. In addition, you must have worked at least five of the last ten
years in "covered" employment to meet the earning requirement.
Deductions made under the "FICA" portion on your paychecks means that
you are meeting this requirement.
When should I apply for benefits?
If you have been disabled for six months or more and will probably be
disabled for more than a year, you should apply for benefits. If you have a
condition that will result in death, apply immediately. Remember, if you
delay, you lose those benefits, and even if you have been disabled for a long
time, benefits will only be paid for one year before the date you apply.
Will there be a waiting period?
Yes. There is a five-month waiting period. Since it costs nothing to apply,
and you stand to lose hundreds of dollars in benefits if you don't, it makes
good sense to apply the moment you realize that you have an ongoing disability.
However, keep in mind that Social Security will generally accept your
application only if you have been disabled for at least six months or are dying.
How do I apply for benefits?
A personal interview is arranged by calling 1-800 772-1213 anytime between
7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tell them you want to apply for Social Security
Disability and have them mail an application to you. They will set an
appointment for you at the Social Security office. Of course, you may simply go
to the Social Security office, but you will have to wait in line. DO NOT DELAY.
Although you will eventually need to apply in person, and complete forms, you
should still call as soon as possible. The date of your call may make a big
difference in determining when your claim was actually filed and when your
benefits will start.
Before you call, locate and have ready the following items:
Your social security card
Your marriage license
Your children's birth certificates
The names and addresses of all the doctors who have treated you during your
period of disability.
You will be required to bring all these items to your personal meeting in
order for the Social Security office to process your claim.
We
Will Get Back To You.
None of the information contained on this website
is meant to replace the formal legal advice you would get in a face to face
meeting with an attorney. Our intention is to provide general information. You
should consult with an attorney who can look at the specific facts of your
case.
If you live in, or
around, Southern California, call us at
(562) 432-8421
or (714) 535-1500 to set up an appointment.
Social
Security Administration | NOSSCR
