Social Security Disability Resource Center
Successfully Apply for Your Benefits as Quickly as Possible

How to get Disability

by Tim Moore, ADR, North Carolina

Applying for Disability

Learn how to apply, how medical conditions are considered, how the decision process works, how many times you may be denied, how to file appeals, how to get your case status, and much more. Here we include important tips for your disability claim.

How long will disability take?

Based on my experience as an Examiner and Disability Representative, I can state that the process is slow. You can usually expect a decision in 90 days or less, but it can take up to 6 months. You should prepare yourself for a wait. The important thing is to keep track of your case and not give up. But…preparing well and having good representation can make a case move faster.

Your Disability Money

Can you work and file for disability, can you work while you are actually receiving disability, what does disability pay each month, what is the maximum back pay you can get, can you get temporary benefits, do you have to be permanently disabled, and more questions are answered here.

Winning Your Disability

To win disability benefits, you must meet the SSA definition of disability. How do you do that? Your medical records, work history, and statements from your doctors will help prove your case. The focus here is knowing what it takes to win your claim for disability.

Tips and Advice to Help Your Case

This section of SSDRC shows tips to help you prepare for applying, tips for your SSD or SSI disability interview, Tips to help you win your case, and a list of mistakes you should know about and avoid.

Doctors & Exams

Your medical records will determine if you get approved, but most people may not realize that Social Security stops getting your records if you have to request a hearing. That becomes the job of you or your representative. Social Security may also send you to an exam. Here we discuss medical records, what happens at a medical exam, and what to say at one.

Mental Disability Benefits

You can be approved for a mental condition alone, or it can add strength to the rest of your case. Always list your mental conditions even if you haven’t been treated for them. And if you take any type of mental medication, mention this when you file your claim. Many people neglect to focus on their mental conditions if they also have physical conditions and that is a mistake you should avoid.

Disability Resources

Learn about SSDRC and its author, former examiner and Accredited Disability Representative Tim Moore. Also discover an extensive list of tips to file for disability, mistakes you need to avoid, and many answers to questions that will help you understand the disability system.

North Carolina Residents Only

SSDRC is written by Accredited Disability Representative, Tim Moore, who is a former disability examiner for Social Security in North Carolina. The information on this site applies to all states, but this particular section answers questions if you live in North Carolna.

Good luck on your disability case and remember to never give up, because persistence really is the key to winning your disability benefits.

Topic Hubs on SSDRC

An overview of Social Security Disability and SSI

What are the requirements for getting disability?

How to file for disability and what to do before an after you file

How long does it take for disability decisions, appeals, and benefits?

What you should know about Social Security Disability and SSI Denials

Filing for disability with mental conditions

Questions relating to Disability benefits

Answers to Questions about SSI Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits for Children

Disability Qualifications and How to Qualify for Benefits

Winning your Social Security Disability or SSI claim

Social Security Disability Back Pay Benefits

Social Security Disability SSI Awards and Award Notices

Questions (lots of them) readers sent in over the years

Note: the dates refer to when the list was created not when the question was actually submitted.

Previously answered questions regarding SSD and SSI

Answers to various questions about disability

Is there a Social Security Appeals Time Limit?

Can I Talk To the Disability Examiner Working On My Case?

What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee?

Do Most People Need To See A Judge To Get Disability Benefits From Social Security?

Social Security Disability Lawyers and 21% Back Pay

Will Social Security Attempt To Get A Letter From Your Doctor To Help Your Case?

What Is The Difference between Social Security Disability and SSI?

How is Social Security Disability and SSI Awarded?

Will my children get benefits if I get approved for disability?

Why Does It Take So Long To Get A Call Back From The Social Security Office?

Social Security Disability and Money in the Bank

How long do you have To Be Out Of Work Before You Get Social Security Disability (SSD)?

The first appeal in a Social Security Disability or SSI case

Using a Lawyer for an SSDI Disability Case

Does Being Represented On A Disability Claim Win The Case Faster?

The Social Security List of Disabling Conditions that Qualify

Find a lawyer who has experience with disability claims

Answers to questions regarding SSD and SSI areas of concern

Tips and Advice for Social Security Disability and SSI Claims

Filing for disability benefits – where to go, tips, conditions

Social Security Disability SSI decisions

What is considered a Disabling condition by Social Security?

The Disability Decision Process and What gets taken into Consideration

Information for Winning Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits

What is your eligibility for receiving disability benefits

Getting Denied for Disability Benefits – reasons, notices, what to do

Answers to Common Questions about Disability and SSI

Questions about being approved for disability

The Social Security Disability and SSI Appeal Process

Information on the Social Security Hearing Process

Information about the SSI Disability Benefits Program

Social Security Disability SSI and whether or not you can work

Medical Examinations for Social Security Disability and SSI

Social Security Disability SSI: Medical Evidence, Records, and Limitations

Social Security Disability SSI and Doctors – Yours and Theirs

Social Security Disability and SSI Claim Reviews

Social Security and SSI based on Mental Disability

Social Security and SSI Disability Benefits for Children

Social Security Disability Representation – Disability Lawyers and Representatives