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How to File for Disability - Tips from an InsiderThrough my work as a Social Security claims representative, I have found that many disabled individuals often procrastinate when it comes to filing for disability. Frequently, individuals have procrastinated because they found the whole idea of filing for disability to be a daunting task. Filing for Social Security disability does not have to be difficult. The first step in the Social Security disability process is to contact the Social Security Administration to schedule your disability interview. How do you contact the Social Security Administration? You may contact your local Social Security office by telephone or by an office visit or you can call the toll free Social Security number to have a disability claim taken or scheduled for you at your local office. Social Security administers two disability programs -- Social Security disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security disability is based upon insured status, which is achieved through your work activity. Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program that does not depend upon your work history. SSI is based upon your income or resources. You do not need to be concerned as to which disability program you need to file in, because the claims representative at the social security office will address both disability programs during your interview. How can you help make your disability interview go smoothly? The most important tip that I can give you is to be prepared. You should have documentation of your birth, citizenship or alien status, and possibly your marriages and divorces (depending upon the type of benefit you are filing for). You should also be able to answer questions with regard to the following: 1. Your work history (what types of jobs that you have had prior to becoming disabled). 2. The names, addresses, phone numbers, and treatment dates of all the physicians, clinics, and hospitals that have treated you during your illness. 3. Personal information about yourself such as your marriages, divorces, and children (minors or adult disabled children). 4. The claims representative will also ask questions about your resources (bank accounts, life insurance policies, land, trust funds, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, 401Ks, or cash) and your income (wages, short term disability or long disability benefits, veterans benefits, or any other source of income), in order to assess your potential entitlement to Supplemental Security Income. If you have your information and documentation ready at the time you file for disability with the Social Security Administration, the process of filing for disability is not difficult. Additionally, if you have internet access and have some general computer skills, you may fill out your Social Security disability application and disability medical report online. How would this help the process of filing for disability? Disability interviews can take ninety minutes or more depending upon how prepared an individual is. Consequently, if a lot of your information is already online, the interview will take less time. Quite frankly, it has been my experience that the disability medical forms filled out online are more detailed and better describe how an individual is feeling and functioning. However, if you do not have access to the internet all of these forms will be covered during your disability interview. For more information on: Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.
A few words about Elder Law 
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