WHEN DO I APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

You may apply for Social Security Disability Benefits when you have suffered from a condition and you have missed a minimum of 30 days of work. Additionally, you need to meet the following qualifications: your condition has resulted in being off of work for at least twelve months, or you anticipate your condition will result in missing work for at least twelve months. 

THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPEALS PROCESS

If Social Security rejects your SSD or SSI application, you have the right to appeal this decision; you may also request a hearing with an administrative law judge. However, your appeal can only be for a medical denial, meaning that Social Security believes your medical condition is not severe enough to warrant missing work. Your appeal must be filed within 60 days of the date of your denial letter. This can be done in person at your local Social Security office, or by U.S. mail. Many claimants choose to hire a representative to assist in this process and to build their case. 

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS PROGRAMS

The Social Security Administration offers various disability benefits for children and adults. There is a technical requirement and a medical requirement for each program. The medical requirement is the same for all adults: you must have a medical condition that has prevented you from working for a minimum of twelve months, or which is expected to either prevent you from working for a minimum of twelve months, or end in death.