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Q. What is the definition that Social Security
uses for disability?
A. According to the Social Security Act, "disability" is the "inability to
engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically
determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in
death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not
less than 12 months."
Q. What documents do I need to have to apply for Social Security disability?
A. You may need any of the following:
- Social Security card (or a record of your number);
- Your birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if
you were not born in the U.S.;
- Your military discharge papers if you had military service; and
W-2 form from last year, or your last year's tax return if you're self-employed.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you are missing a document, don't delay signing up for Social
Security disability. You will need to provide that document later, but the
application date is important.
Q. I am definitely disabled, so I should have no problem with having my
application for benefits approved, right?
A. Unfortunately, almost 60 % of original applications for Social Security
Disability benefits are denied. Many of these are approved during the appeals
process.
Q. Do I have to go into the Social Security office to apply for disability
payments? It is so difficult for me to get transportation.
A. As of January 28, 2002 we have a new answer for you. It is now possible to
file for Social Security Disability Benefits online at
http://www.ssa.gov/applyforbenefits/ to start your application.
Q. I have heard about a list of approved disabilities for benefits. How do I
know if my disability is on this list?
A. There is a list within the social security system that allows a claimant to
automatically qualify for benefits. Actually there are two: one for adult
disabling conditions and one for children that lists applicable impairments.
Your disability does not need to be on this list. You only need to prove that
your disability is the equivalent of a condition that has already been approved
for benefits.
Q. English is not my first language. What if I need an interpreter for these
medical terms?
A. Interpreter services are provided free of charge by the Social Security
Administration. The service is provided upon request of a claimant or
beneficiary. You may also bring your own interpreter to the interview. Your
interpreter must be at least 18 years old; be able to read, write and
demonstrate fluency in English; and be able to read, write and demonstrate
fluency in the language that you speak.
Q. If I fill out my application online, can I delete it if I need to?
A. The application is left on Social Security records for six-months. They are
required to protect the date that you first indicated you wanted to apply for
Social Security Benefits.
Call today for your free California Social Security disability consultation!
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Disclaimer: The information offered herein by Orange County California Personal Injury Attorneys is
not formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney client relationship.
Our California law firm handles personal injury cases in all Southern California
counties, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and
Orange County, California. Nielsen & Associates concentrates in Personal Injury, including accidents - medical malpractice and medical negligence claims -- construction accidents, whether under California personal injury law, California workers compensation law or both -- orthopedic injuries -- products liability matters -- serious personal injury matters including wrongful death and serve Los Angeles,
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