They cannot do the work they did before. They cannot adjust to other work because of a medical condition. The disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 1 year or result in death. [2] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U. S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source
The maximum amount of SSI an individual may receive each month is $733; a couple may receive $1,100. To view the SSI federal payment amounts for 2015, click here.
Your date and place of birth, as well as your Social Security number Information about your current spouse, as well as any former spouses (name, date of birth and death, Social Security numbers, and the date and location of your marriages and divorces) Names and dates of birth of your minor children The name and contact information of someone who knows about your medical condition, such as a doctor The names, addresses, and phone numbers for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics where you were treated, as well as your patient ID numbers and dates of treatment The name and contact information of your employer for this year and the past year The amount of money you earned this year and last year A list of the jobs (up to 5) that you worked in the past 15 years before you became unable to work, and the dates you worked those jobs the beginning and ending dates of any military service you had before 1968 Your bank’s Routing Transit Number and the account number (if you want benefits electronically deposited)
Birth certificate Proof of U. S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States A copy of your Social Security statement[7] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U. S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns for last year Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits Information about any workers’ compensation benefits that you applied for or intend to apply for[8] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U. S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source Medical evidence, including medical records, doctor’s reports, names of medicines taken, and recent test results U. S. military discharge papers if you had military service before 1968
To fill out an online application, visit SSA’s website.
Exams are often scheduled where little evidence supports the claim of injury or where sufficient time has elapsed since you have seen a doctor. [9] X Research source The exam will be brief—maybe only 10 minutes. [10] X Research source You should attend the exam. A Disability Specialist can close a file for “failure to cooperate” and declining a medical exam would justify denying your claim. [11] X Research source If you accidentally miss the exam, you will be allowed to reschedule.
If you are determined to be disabled, then you will begin receiving retroactive disability benefits. Alternately, if your claim is denied, then you may appeal. If you are denied, you will be sent a denial letter. Save this. It will contain important contact information as well as information about appeals.
You have only 60 days to request reconsideration, so it is best not to wait. Once you receive your denial letter, call and request the reconsideration paperwork. You might want to provide updated medical records, statements from treating physicians about your medical condition, or a reason why you think your claim should be approved. The success rate for reconsideration is very low (around 13%). [15] X Research source Nevertheless, requesting reconsideration is a necessary first step that allows you to subsequently appeal to an administrative law judge, where your chances (should you have legal representation) are higher. If the second DDS representative denies your claim, then you may appeal.
You should seek out an attorney at this point. The attorney will request the appeal paperwork and file it. The average wait time for a hearing in Texas is 8 months. [16] X Research source
More than 60% of cases are won at this level when the claimant is represented by an attorney or advocate. [19] X Research source Disability attorneys and advocates work on contingency. Under this arrangement, you will not pay any fees unless you win the appeal. You will still have to cover costs, such as the cost of mailing, photocopying, or requesting medical records. You should anticipate costs of around $200. [20] X Research source Typically, an attorney will front these costs; if you win, then the amount will be deducted from your back-award benefits. If you lose, you will then be billed. By law, attorneys and advocates can collect only 25% of the award of the past-due benefits awarded, up to $6,000. [21] X Research source To find an experienced attorney, you can search the Texas Bar Association’s Referral Service. Or you can search “disability lawyer” and your city or county into a web browser. Because attorneys in this field work on contingency, your consultation should be free.
Your attorney will need to gather documents to use as exhibits, such as medical records, and prepare to share them with the court. [22] X Research source You may also need to undergo another medical exam. A claim cannot be made unless you present recent medical records (i. e. , those within the past 90 days). [23] X Research source
An impairment qualifies as a “disability” if it meets SSA’s list of impairments or prevents you from engaging in work that will produce substantial, gainful income. [25] X Research source
