Tips for Getting SSDI Disability. Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be frustrating and takes a lot of time. Unfortunately, Social Security denies a lot of applications. In some cases, it can take several months to years before a case is approved. However, you can follow some tips that can help you.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 1: Understanding what you are applying for
Social Security offers two different types of disability benefits. First, Social Security offers disability insurance benefits (SSDI) for people who have worked. You must have earned enough work credits to apply for SSDI benefits. Second, Social Security offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for people who meet certain financial requirements. You must be of low income, assets and resources to apply. Both types of benefits require that your medical conditions keep you from working for at least 12 months. You cannot file for SSDI or SSI if you are still working.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 2: Understand the disability process
The disability application process can take several months before you receive a decision. Therefore, you should file your application as soon as you can’t work. Your local Social Security office processes your application. However, they do not make any decisions on your claim. Instead, your claim is sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS assigns a claims adjudicator. The claims adjudicator will:
Gather your medical records
Send you additional forms
Schedule an appointment with a Social Security doctor if necessary
Once DDS receives all of your medical records, a Social Security doctor reviews your file. They determine what you can do despite your medical impairments, known as your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC determines whether you qualify for disability benefits.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 3: Be prepared when filing your application
Naturally, disability applications require a lot of information. Providing complete information gives you a better chance of winning your case. Most importantly, you should provide all of your medical treatment information on your application. This should include all doctors you have seen for the conditions interfering with your ability to work. It should also include any emergency room or hospital visits. However, you should only provide treatment information for the time that you have been unable to work.
Providing your work history
You will also need to provide your work history. Social Security only requires your work history for the last 15 years. You should provide a clear description of your past work. Social Security may deny your case if they don’t categorize your past work accurately. This work history should include:
The date you last worked
The name of your previous employers
Your job title
The dates that you approximately worked for each employer
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 4: Getting your doctor to complete an RFC form
Your treating doctors should complete an RFC form even if you think your medical evidence is strong. Many times, medical records don’t clearly translate how your symptoms cause problems doing things. Your doctor’s RFC form should be as detailed as possible. It should include both physical and mental limitations. A simple statement that you cannot work will not be enough.
Generally, Social Security disability requires that your medical conditions keep you from working at all. However, Social Security uses a chart called the Medical-Vocational guidelines to evaluate your disability claim. These guidelines are known as the “grid rules”. The grid rules make it easier for older people to win their case. Typically, if you are over the age of 50, the grid rules can allow Social Security to approve your case even if you can do other work. The rules are even more favorable if you are over age 55.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 6: Stay in Treatment
You must provide proof that your medical conditions interfere with your ability to work. Therefore, you need to see your doctors regularly for your conditions. If you don’t see your doctors, Social Security can’t evaluate your conditions. Additionally, you should follow all recommendations and take medications as prescribed. If you don’t follow your doctors’ recommendations, Social Security could deny your case.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 7: Get Treatment with Specialists
Typically, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists record your symptoms and problems better than a primary doctor. They focus on specific information that Social Security needs to approve your disability benefits. This can include special tests or examinations. It can also include your doctor’s opinion to explain how your conditions impact your functioning. This can especially be true for any mental health impairments. Generally, receiving medication from your primary doctor will not be enough to document your mental health conditions.
Check on the Status of Your Claim
Checking on the status of your claim can be important. It allows you to make sure Social Security handles your case properly. You can check to make sure your doctors’ records were received. You should confirm that they received any forms you completed. Lastly, it ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Appeal Denials
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability. Social Security often denies claims. You should appeal any denials. Re-filing a new application doesn’t help getting approved for benefits. It only can delay the appeals process. Frequently, Social Security denies you for the same reasons. Your changes for getting approved improve when you appeal an unfavorable decision. In fact, most cases have the best chance for approval at the hearing level.
Work With a Disability Advocate
Navigating the Social Security disability process can be overwhelming and exhausting. Social Security requires a lot of information and paperwork. Working with an experienced disability advocate ensures that Social Security gets the information they need to process your claim. You disability advocate walks you the process and answers all of your questions. They regularly check on the status of your case, files any necessary appeals, valuable advantage at the hearing level.
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Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What is the SSDI Back Pay Calculator? Frequently, if Social Security approves your disability claim, you will receive back pay. Back pay refers to the payments for months between your application date and your approval date. Social Security calls to your approval date as your onset date. Sometimes, back pay can go back further than the filing date. Several factors considered include:
Your disability onset date
Your application date
The five month mandatory waiting period for SSDI
SSDI vs. SSI
Social Security offers two types of disability benefits. To qualify for disability insurance benefits (SSDI), you must have worked a certain number of years. To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain financial requirements. Many times, you can qualify to apply for both types of benefits. For example, you worked for many years. However, once you stopped working, you no longer have an income. You now rely on food stamps and help from family members. Since you paid into Social Security, you can file for SSDI. Additionally, you meet the financial requirements for SSI because you don’t have any income or assets. You will want to use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
SSDI back pay
Under Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI), you can receive benefits back to the application date. However, you can also qualify to receive retroactive benefits. Retroactive benefits are paid for the months between when you became disabled and when you applied for benefits. Additionally, retroactive benefits can go back one year before the application filing date. It is important to use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
Example: SSDI back pay and retroactive benefits
For example, Sue filed for benefits on June 1, 2019. Social Security found that she became disabled back in January 2018. However, her retroactive benefits can only go back to June 2018, one year before she filed her application.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: SSDI back pay and the 5 month waiting period
Social Security does not pay back pay for the first five months after your disability began. You start receiving benefits at the beginning of the sixth month. Typically, the 5 month wait period can be much shorter than the time it takes for Social Security to approve your application.
Example: SSDI back pay and the 5 month waiting period
As another example, Don was found disabled as of January 2020. Social Security approved Don’s claim in September 2020. Don has to wait five months from January before his benefits start. Therefore, his back pay goes back to June 2020.
Back pay for SSI
Unlike SSDI, Social Security doesn’t pay retroactive benefits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Social Security cannot pay you before your filing date. Under SSI, back pay starts one month after the filing date.
Example: back pay for SSI
Sarah filed for SSI benefits in January 2020. She told Social Security that she became disabled in August 2017. Social Security found Sarah disabled. However, her back pay started in February 2020, the month after she filed for SSI benefits.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: Back pay and your onset date
When you file for disability benefits, you tell Social Security when you became disabled. Social Security refers to this date as your alleged onset date. Generally, your onset date should be the date you stopped working. It can also be the date of an injury or illness. When Social Security finds you disabled, this date becomes your established onset date (EOD). Your EOD also determines when your back pay starts.
When Social Security finds a different onset date
Sometimes, your EOD doesn’t match your alleged onset date. This happens when Social Security finds that your disability began on a different date than what you put on your application. Common reasons Social Security finds a different EOD include:
A change in age categories – there are more favorable rules for disability the older you are. Specifically, they are more favorable for people over the age of 50. Therefore, Social Security can find you disabled once you reach the older age category.
Medical records and treatment – Social Security relies on medical records to decide if you qualify for disability benefits. So if your treatment started later, your condition worsened over time or if something new happened, Social Security can find you disabled at a later date based on your medical records.
Example: back pay and your EOD based on your age
For example, Donna filed for disability benefits. She told Social Security her disability started in February 2019. However, she turned 50 years old in September 2019. Social Security found she met the disability requirements when she turned 50. As a result, her back pay started in March 2020, five months after her established onset date. This is how you use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
Example: back pay and your EDO based on your medical records
Gary filed for disability benefits due to back pain. He told Social Security his disability started in October 2018, when he stopped working. Gary didn’t start seeing a doctor until February 2019. He continued to see his doctor regularly. His doctor ordered an MRI of his back in March 2019. The MRI showed severe degenerative disc disease. Hemet the disability requirements based on the MRI report. Therefore, his established onset date was March 2019. His back pay started in September 2019.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: How does Social Security pay your back pay?
Social Security pays your back pay in lump sums. However, Social Security releases your back pay in different ways for SSDI and SSI. For SSDI, Social Security sends you one lump sum payment. This includes all of your back pay and retroactive benefits. Unlike SSDI, Social Security sends your SSI back pay in installments. They split these installments into three payments. Social Security sends these installments six months apart. Social Security does this because you cannot have more than $2000 at any time in order to receive your current monthly SSI payment.
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What is a Residual Functional Capacity Form? Residual functional capacity (RFC) forms can help support your Social Security disability claim. RFC forms explain how your symptoms impact your ability to perform work activities. Social Security does not award benefits on your diagnosis alone. Therefore, you must show that your medical conditions keep you from being able to work.
What is my residual functional capacity?
Residual functional capacity (RFC) is defined as the most you can do despite your medical impairments. An RFC can include both mental and physical limitations. Your RFC is very important. First, Social Security looks at whether your condition meets one of the medial listings. Most conditions won’t be severe enough to meet one of the medical listings. Therefore, Social Security needs to look at your residual functional capacity.
How does Social Security use residual functional capacity forms?
An RFC form helps Social Security understand how your conditions impact your ability to perform activities. The forms are used by SSA’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office to process your claim. A Social Security medical consultant reviews your medical records. They complete an RFC form based on the information they have. Additionally, they will provide an explanation for their findings. Next, Social Security looks at whether or not your RFC lets them approve your claim.
Physical Residual Functional Capacity forms
A physical RFC form includes questions about your ability to do things like:
How long you can sit, stand or walk at one time or in an 8 hour work day
How much weight you can lift or carry
If you need an assistive device such as a cane, walker, wheelchair or crutches
Using your arms and hands for activities such as reaching, pushing, pulling, gripping or grasping objects
If pain, fatigue, other symptoms or side effects from medications cause limitations with concentration, persistence or pace
Mental Residual Functional Capacity Forms
A mental RFC form includes questions about your ability to do things like:
Your ability to understand, remember or carry out instructions or interact with others such as supervisors, co-workers or the general public
Your ability to maintain attention and concentration
If your symptoms interfere with your ability to show up to work, arrive on time or have to leave early
Residual Functional Capacity forms for your doctors
Your treating doctors may also complete an RFC form. Having your doctor complete an RFC form can be very helpful. After all, they should know more about your health than anyone else. An RFC form should be very detailed. It should include all your medical symptoms and conditions. It should also include all of your treatment and any side effects from medications.
The importance of residual functional capacity forms
Social Security considers more than just your diagnosis. They need to understand how your conditions affect your functioning. Therefore, even if you think your medical evidence is strong, RFC forms can help strengthen your case. Many times, medical records do not clearly translate how your symptoms impact your functioning. Specifically, your doctor’s RFC form can:
Provide your treating doctor’s opinion about how significantly your conditions impact your functioning
Provide your doctor’s opinion in the specific way Social Security evaluates functioning
Can help win your disability case especially if you are appearing before an Administrative Law Judge
How a residual functional capacity form can help win your case
Social Security considers your age, education and work background when evaluating your claim. If you are under the age of 50, you must show that you cannot work at all. Social Security will consider other types of work, not just the work you have done in the past. An RFC form can help explain why you may not be able to work on a full time basis.
Example 1: Residual functional capacity forms
For example, say you are under the age of 50 and worked before as a cashier. You have a back injury that interferes with your ability to do this type of work. You also have side effects from your medications that make you drowsy. In an RFC form, your doctor states that you cannot sit for more than 4 hours or stand or walk for more than 2 hours in a work day. Your doctor also states that you have problems with attention and focus due to your medications. These limitations help support your disability claim because it shows that you could not work a full 8 hour day.
Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
Social Security recognizes that it may be harder for older individuals to learn new work. Therefore, there are more favorable rules for people 50 or older. These rules are known as the Grid Rules. They are even more favorable if you are 55 or older. Essentially, the Grid Rules consider your age, education and work background. If Social Security finds that you can’t go back to work you’ve done in the past 15 years, you might be disabled.
Example 2: Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
For example, Ellen, a 53 year old woman previously worked as a cashier. She filed for disability because she developed osteoarthritis in her knees. She can no longer stand or walk for long periods of time. In an RFC form, her doctor stated that shecould not stand or walk for more than 2 hours a day but can sit for at least 6 hours a day. Her doctor also reported that she needed a cane when walking. She cannot work as a cashier. Even though she can do seated work, the Grid Rules allowed Social Security to approve her case.
Example 3: Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
In another example, Adam, a 57 year old, previously worked as a janitor. His job required him to lift and carry over 50 pounds occasionally. Adam injured his back and can no longer perform his job duties. In an RFC form, Adam’s doctor reported that Adam could not lift more than 20 pounds. He also reported that Adam could only stand or walk for 4 hours a day. Even though Adam could do other work, the Grid Rules allowed Social Security to approve his case.
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Autism Disability Allowance, Social Security considers autism and autism spectrum disorders as potentially disabling conditions. Autism can cause problems with social functioning and affect your ability to communicate with others. You or your child may qualify for Social Security disability benefits for autism.
Autism Disability Allowance for Adults and Children
Adults may apply for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSD). They may also apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unlike adults, children can only apply for SSI benefits. You must have earned enough Social Security work credits to apply for SSD benefits. Unlike SSDI, you do not need to have worked to file for SSI. However, you must meet certain financial requirements. Social Security looks at parents’ income for children’s SSI benefits. Unfortunately, a disabled child can’t apply for SSI if their parents have too much income.
Autism Disability Allowance for Disabled Adult Children
Adult children could qualify for SSD benefits based on their parent’s earnings record. Social Security considers someone a disabled adult child if:
You are over the age of 18
Not married
Disability that began before you were 22 and one of your parents receives Social Security benefits or is deceased
Social Security Disability: Autism Spectrum
Social Security evaluates claims using the “Blue Book”. The Blue Book includes a listing of impairments. Generally, to qualify under the Blue Book, you must meet certain conditions. Social Security considers autism under listing 12.10 for adults and 112.10 for children.
Social Security’s Listing 12.10 and 112.10 “Autism spectrum disorder”
First, the listing requires that you have all of the following documented in your records:
Problems in verbal and nonverbal communication
Problems in social interaction
Significantly restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities
Second, you must show one extreme limitation or two marked limitations in the following areas:
Understanding, remembering or applying information
Interacting with others
Concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace
Adapting or managing oneself
“Marked” means having a serious limitation in that area of functioning. “Extreme” means not being able to function in that area at all.
What if my child’s autism doesn’t meet the listing?
Your child’s autism may not meet the disability listing. Fortunately, Social Security can still approve them for benefits another way. Social Security will consider all of your child’s limitations. Specifically, they look at six areas of functioning or domains. Your child still must have at least one extreme limitation. Alternatively, they can have two marked limitations. These areas of functioning include:
Acquiring and Using Information – how your child understands and remembers information, learning new information and recalling and applying previously learned information
Attending and Completing Tasks – how your child pays attention, follows instructions, taking turns, finishing class work or homework, working at a reasonable pace
Interacting and Relating with Others – how your child plays with other children, expresses anger, takes turns, understands body language and social cues
Moving About and Manipulating Objects – how your child manages physical activities such as standing, balancing, running, jumping, using their hands and hand-eye coordination
Caring for Himself or Herself – how your child handles frustration, takes care of personal hygiene, avoiding dangerous circumstances, and responding to changes in their mood
Health and Physical Well-being – specific medical conditions like asthma or depression, side effects from medications or other symptoms or anything else that would cause problems functioning
What you need for an autism disability allowance
Social Security needs evidence to evaluate your child’s functioning. Evidence includes records from pediatricians, therapists and other medical professionals. Often, Social Security asks your child’s teachers to complete a questionnaire. Social Security can also consider other evidence. For example, attendance reports, report cards and other school documents might be helpful. This may include Individual Education Plans or IEPs. Your disability advocate will tell you what evidence would be helpful.
Autistic Disability Allowance for Adults
If you don’t meet the listing, Social Security considers your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do despite your symptoms. Particularly, Social Security looks at how your autism affects your ability to work. Therefore, you have to show how your conditions keep you from working.
Autism and your RFC
Proving disability in autistic adults can be challenging. This can be especially true if you have worked in the past. However, the right documentation can support your case. Your doctor should complete an RFC form. Your doctor can help explain how severe your symptoms are. There are also agencies that help disabled adults. For example, evaluation from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can explain the problems you are facing in the work place. DVR helps place disabled adults in jobs. Therefore, they can provide specific limitations you would have at work.
Disability Help Group: Winning Autism Disability Allowance Case Study
For example, John is 23 years old, diagnosed with autism. He was in special education classes in school. He has not been able to work. John tried filing for SSI benefits due to his autism. Unfortunately, he was denied. He then turned to Disability Help Group for help. On his advocate’s advice, he talked to his doctor. His doctor provided an RFC form explaining John’s problems interacting with others and his problems concentrating. His advocate was also able to get John’s school records, including his IEPs. John had some testing with his local DVR. The testing showed that John could not perform any job duties without close and frequent supervision. Social Security determined that John could not work in full time competitive jobs. As a result, he was approved for Social Security disability.
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How Do I Check My Social Security Disability Work Credits? The Social Security Administration keeps track of your earnings and work credits. They do this by using your Social Security number. Social Security provides this information on your Social Security Earnings Statement. It is available to everyone age 25 and over. Social Security mails out your statement periodically. You can also look at your statement online. You would need to create an online account with Social Security. Occasionally checking your estimated Social Security benefits lets you to check for any mistakes on your record.
What are Social Security Disability Work Credits?
Work credits are credits that you earned during your work history. You receive work credits each year that you work and pay taxes. Unfortunately, Social Security can’t pay you benefits if you don’t have enough work credits. These credits are required to receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), retirement benefits and Medicare. However, you do not need work credits to file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To file for SSI, you need to meet certain income requirements.
How do I earn Social Security disability work credits?
Work credits are based on your total wages and self-employment income for the year. At most, you can earn four work credits per year. The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit can change from year to year. In 2020, you must earn $5,640 to get four credits for the year. How Can I Check My Social Security Disability Credits?
How many work credits do I need for Social Security Disability benefits?
Generally, you need to earn a total of 20 work credits to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Typically, Social Security will look back ten years from the date you filed your disability application. You must have worked at least five of those years to qualify. However, there are some age exceptions. If you are younger, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits with fewer credits. For example:
Before age 24 – you need to earn 6 credits or have worked 1.5 years
Ages 24-30 – you need to earn 8-18 credits or have worked 2-4.5 years
Ages 31 or older – you need at least 20 credits in the 10 year period before you became disabled
Do my Social Security disability work credits expire?
Additionally, in order to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must meet a recent work test. After you stop working, you do not have an indefinite time to file for disability benefits. Like other insurance program, your coverage ends after a certain amount of time from when you stop working. How Can I Check My Social Security Disability Credits?
How Does My Date Last Insured Impact My Disability Work Credits
Your date last insured (DLI) is the last date you can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Your DLI depends on when you last worked. Usually, your DLI lasts five years after you stop working. However, if your earnings were low or your work was inconsistent, your DLI may be less than five years.
Example 1: Date last insured
Bob stopped working in December 2014. He had worked for seven years as an auto mechanic. While he was out of work, Bob fell and injured his neck and shoulder in February 2019. He no longer could work. Bob’s date last insured expires in December 2019. Since Bob’s DLI expires after he became unable to work, he can still qualify for Social Security disability benefits. How Can I Check My Social Security Disability Credits?
Example 2: Date last insured
Gina stopped working in June 2018 after she needed knee surgery. She had worked for over 10 years as a home health aide. She was unable to return to work after her surgery. Gina’s date last insured would not expire until around June 2023. Therefore, she is currently eligible to file for Social Security disability benefits.
What if my DLI has expired?
You can still file for Social Security disability benefits if you stopped working more than five years ago. However, you would need to show that you became disabled before your DLI expired. You must have medical evidence that shows you couldn’t work before your DLI. Sometimes, this can be very difficult. Older medical records might not be available. You may not remember all of the doctors that treated you. How Can I Check My Social Security Disability Credits?
Work with an experienced disability advocate to make sure your Social Security disability work credits are correct
An experienced disability advocate can really help in these situations. Your disability advocate can help you understand these complicated issues. They can help you gather the medical evidence you need to win your case. Frequently, if your DLI has expired, you may need to go to a Social Security disability hearing to decide your case. Your disability advocate gets your ready for your hearing. They also make sure the judge has everything they need to decide your case. How Do I Check My Social Security Disability Work Credits?
Disability Help Group: Winning Case Study
George stopped working in 2013 because he had a car accident. Unfortunately, he was unable to go back to work. He suffered from chronic back pain. George didn’t know he could file for Social Security disability benefits when he stopped working. He contacted Disability Help Group for assistance in 2019. At that time, his date last insured had expired in December 2018. George had to go to a disability hearing. We were able to help George provide all of his medical records to the judge since his accident. Therefore, George was able to show that his medical conditions kept him from working before his DLI. He was approved for benefits.
Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
