Published on: April 2, 2015
If you're applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Tampa, we know your pain. We've been working in the area for a while and we know what we're doing. The process can be aggravating and tedious, but it's a necessary thing to undergo if you're looking for a way to make up the income that you can't earn because you can't work. It's a good thing that you're looking, and you should know that you're not alone.
Well, we're here to help. We can assist you with the application process if you want (more details later on that), but you might also want to try to do it yourself. These are the steps that you'll need to take if you want to give it a shot.
The Basics: Applying Online
First, it's easier than ever to apply for Social Security Disability: you can apply online. If you're reading this article, it may be the best option for you, as well. All the required information can be gathered online and submitted to the correct people immediately. That's a great benefit!
But, applying online isn't always the best way to do things. If the person applying has issues with using and putting their information onto the Internet (or if they just don't want to), then there are other options. Perhaps doing it over the phone is better for them, and the Social Security office offers that benefit, as well.
Applying in Person
However, if neither of these options seems beneficial, you can go to the offices in person to apply. However, you need to be aware that you'll need an appointment to go see someone in the offices. That's easy, however; the SSA Website has details for you on how to set up an appointment. j You can also call their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.
You'll need certain information to apply in person. This information includes:
- Social Security Number
- Proof of age
- Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of anyone involved with your health care (doctors, nurses, hospitals, etc.)
- A list of medications and dosages
- Medical records from your health care professionals (if you have them)
- Test and lab results
- Work history
- Most recent W-2's or, if self-employed, your tax returns
The process is extensive, but that's the information that you'll need as per the SSA.These documents can't be photocopies. They must be official copies, whether they are the originals or certified copies.
From there, all of the roads converge into one spot: the review process. They go over five basic criteria:
- Are you working? If you're working, then they check how much you're making. There's a certain amount you're not allowed to make more than (which is $1,090/month in 2015, if you were wondering).
- Is your condition "severe" enough? Basically, the evaluation is made on whether or not your disability gets in the way of your ability to work. The severity test basically asks if your condition prohibits or extremely discourages working.
- Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions? Your condition must meet the requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for disability, or your condition must have an equivalent effect to what's in the CFR.
- Can you do the work you used to do? If you can't perform the tasks you did previously, then that's a major factor in determining whether you'll receive benefits.
- Can you do any other types of work? If your disability prohibits you from doing the work that you used to do plus other types of work, that goes into the consideration as well.
Call Us for More Help
While you can apply on your own, we don't recommend it. It's difficult enough to know what the SSA wants from you, but it's even worse when you're basically dealing with a huge agency without assistance. Contact us and we'll help you file your application and make sure that the records are as complete as possible. We can help you get disability when it seems too daunting a task. Give us a call today to get started!
