If you are unable to work because of a disabling physical or mental condition, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits.
If you've been denied benefits
At Welton Law, we've been successful in restoring benefits for more than 93 percent of our Social Security Disability cases. We can help restore benefits for you-but you must act quickly.
If you applied for Social Security Disability benefits and were denied, you have only 60 days to appeal. Contact Barbara Welton as soon as you receive notice that benefits have been denied.
Anyone who has completed a tax form knows that dealing with the government can be frustrating. The appeal process for Social Security can be lengthy, complicated, tedious and confusing if you are not familiar with it. Don't go it alone. Contact Welton Law today.
How to apply for benefits
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. Applications often take 3 to 5 months to process. Even if you are approved in your initial application, benefits are not paid until the sixth full month after your disability began.
You can apply one of three ways:
- Completing your application online, here.
- Calling the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. If you are hearing impaired, you can call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
- Calling or visiting your local Social Security office.
Who is considered disabled?
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.
Disability under Social Security is based on your inability to work. You are considered disabled under Social Security rules if:
- You cannot do work that you did before; and
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
Social Security assumes that if you are over 50 and did not finish high school, you cannot be retrained.
Do you qualify?
To qualify for benefits, you must have:
- Worked in jobs and contributed to Social Security in the past;
- A medical (physical or mental) condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability.
In general, Social Security pays monthly cash benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.
If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same.
If you're approved
If your application is approved, your first Social Security benefit will be paid for the sixth full month after the date your disability began.
For example: If the state agency decides your disability began on January 15, your first disability benefit will be paid for the month of July. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due, so you will receive your July benefit in August.
Source: Social Security Online
