What is the process of filing for Social Security Supplemental Income or Disability Insurance Benefits? 

 

You may file your application online at ssa.gov/disability or you may ask for a disability representative to help you throughout the process. You will need to have all your personal information, name and addresses of all treatment from 2 years prior to your condition limiting your daily activities, a list of your medications and all work history for the last 15 years. 


Once your application is filed, SSA will send your claim to a state agency called “Disability Determination Services (DDS).” They will request your medical records, review information regarding your daily activities, and make an initial decision on your claim. Once a decision is made, DDS will return to the local field office in your area for the decision to be sent to you. 


When you are awarded benefits for Supplemental Security Income, a representative from Social Security will reach out to you to review and update your financial resources. Once this call is made, the process of your benefit can be processed. 


The payment center will issue any back due benefits and monthly benefits in the requested payment option.  When the claim is SSDI only, the payment center will process without anyone from SSA contacting you. You will receive a letter and deposit.  


If you receive a denial, you have 60 days from the date of denial letter to file your appeal. After the initial denial you can file a request for reconsideration.  After a denial letter on the reconsideration, you may file an appeal requesting a hearing within 60 days of the date of the letter. You will receive a hearing date for your case to be heard in front of an Administrative Law Judge. If you have not hired a disability representative, now is the time.  


The hearing will consist of reviewing all medical records, employment review, personal testimony of your daily activities and questioning a vocational witness. Most hearings are held over the phone, video-teleconference or in person. It can take months to receive a decision after the hearing, you don’t normally know the outcome the day of the hearing. 


In some cases, they are denied at the hearing level. You can file a request for review with the Appeals Council. Although someone can be in continuous treatment, cases can go this long before being approved on a remand.  


If your disability is limiting your employment, call 816-451-2020 for a free consultation. Don’t give up the fight! 

KC Disability Advocates is here to help and guide you through the process. 

 

Location: Kansas City, MO, USA

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