Time To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits? How To Avoid Frustrating Delays
If you're going to be applying for social security disability benefits, be prepared for delays. One of the things you'll learn during the process is that there are going to be numerous delays along the way. In fact, the entire process of applying for social security disability benefits can be described as a long, waiting game. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't things you can do to speed up the process and avoid delays. In fact, there are quite a few things you can do to avoid some of the more common delays. Here are four steps you should take to help speed up the application process and avoid frustrating delays.
Know Your Social Security Credits
If you're getting ready to apply for disability benefits through social security, it's important that you know the total amount of credits you have. You might not know this, but when you work, you earn credits toward your social security benefits. Your age when you apply determines how many credits you need. If you apply for benefits before you have enough credits, your application will be denied. The best way to avoid delays is to know how many credits you have and how many credits you'll need. If you're short on credits, continue working until you have the required credits, and then apply for benefits.
Stop Working Before You Apply
If your disability is preventing you from working, and you're going to apply for social security disability benefits, you'll need to stop working before you apply. If you're still working when you apply for benefits, your application will be denied. That's because social security disability benefits are designed for those who cannot work. If you're gainfully employed when you apply, they'll assume that your disability doesn't interfere with your ability to work. To avoid a denial, make sure stop working before you apply for benefits.
Be Clear About Your Disability
When you apply for benefits, be as clear and detailed as you can be when filling out the application, especially as it pertains to your disability. For instance, if your job requires you to be on your feet for eight hours, but being on your feet for more than 30 minutes causes you pain and weakness, it's important that you provide that information on your application. Your caseworker will need to know exactly how your disability affects your ability to work.
Keep Track of the Appeals Deadlines
When you submit your application, you may receive an initial denial. That doesn't mean you should give up on the application process. It does mean that you'll need to pay close attention to the appeals deadlines. Each step of the appeals process will have deadlines attached. If you miss the deadlines for filing any part of the appeal, you'll need to begin the application process all over again, which is something you want to avoid.
If you're going to be applying for social security disability benefits, don't get caught up in the delays. The tips provided here will help you get through the application process in a timely manner. If you have questions or concerns about the application process, be sure to consult with a social security disability attorney service in your area.