How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security disability (SSDI) can provide essential income and access to medical care for those who qualify. But, the process can be complicated and discouraging. The more you know in advance about how the process works and what is expected of you, the better. 

This post provides an overview of how to apply for Social Security disability benefits. If you need additional information or assistance, a Social Security Disability Advocate can be your best resource. 

When and How to Start Your SSDI Application

The best time to apply for Social Security disability benefits is as soon as you become disabled. For most disabilities, you won’t be eligible for benefits until your sixth month of disability. But, the process can take time. Even if you are approved at the initial application stage, it can take three to six months. So, don’t delay. 

The best way to submit your application is online–online applications move more quickly, and you’ll have the opportunity to stop the process if necessary to gather information or just take a break. You can easily return to your saved application later. If you’re unable to apply online, you may call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213. 

What You’ll Need for Your Social Security Disability Benefits Application

The SSA will need information about your work history, your medical condition, and your daily activities and limitations to make a decision on your application. The SSA makes some materials available to help you make sure you have all of the information you need for your application, such as this medical and work history worksheet. Gathering this information in advance is especially important if you will be making your application over the phone. 

What To Expect After You Apply for Disability Benefits

It typically takes three to six months to receive a determination on your initial application for Social Security disability benefits. If your initial application is denied, don’t be discouraged. The approval rate is low at the initial application stage, but many of those applicants go on to receive benefits at a later stage in the process. 

Learn How a Social Security Disability Advocate Can Help

An experienced advocate can help ensure that your application is complete, that you’ve provided the right documentation, and that you haven’t made mistakes that could delay or derail your claim. The earlier you get knowledgeable guidance, the better. 

If you’ve already filed and your claim has been denied, we can help with that, too. Call (800) 800-2009 to learn more about how we can put our experience to work for you.

Enzyme Found in Baker’s Yeast Could Help Treat Some Forms of Leukemia

Enzyme Found in Baker’s Yeast Could Help Treat Some Forms of Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that typically affects children under the age of five. The American Cancer Society estimates doctors will diagnose another 5,970 new cases this year, and 1,440 people will die from ALL. This type of cancer attacks the lymphoblasts, immature white blood cells in bone marrow.

 

For years, treatment for ALL has started with chemotherapy and often progresses to stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, and targeted drugs.

 

One treatment that doctors have used for decades is the application of the L-asparaginase enzyme. This enzyme is isolated from Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi bacteria, and can achieve a high rate of remission. However, it has the risk of causing mild to severe allergic responses in about 25 percent of patients.

 

Researchers have begun the process of seeking a less toxic enzyme to help improve remission rates. The study, published in Scientific Reports, began by looking at several fungi that also secrete the L-asparaginase enzyme. They found that common baker’s yeast had a similar enzyme and carried less risk of an immune response thanks to a composition similar to human cells.

 

Researchers tested the effectiveness of the yeast enzyme against the E. coli enzyme. When added to human leukemia cells, the yeast enzyme killed roughly 70-80 percent of the MOLT4 (asparagine) cells, while the E. coli enzyme killed about 90 percent. Even though the yeast enzyme had a lower cell death rate, doctors might consider it for use in patients who are likely to have an immune response. 

Leukemia Qualify Your Child for Social Security Disability

Children with certain childhood diseases, like leukemia, are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and might be entitled to Social Security disability benefits under their parents’ contributions. To find out more about your child’s eligibility and how to file a claim on their behalf, the Disability Help Group is here to help.

 

Call us at 800-800-2009 to speak with one of our disability advocates today for free. Or, click here to see some of our frequently asked questions.