What is the Process for Filing a Long Term Disability Claim?

If you ever become disabled, one of the first things that you should do is apply for long term social security disability benefits by making a long term disability claim as soon as possible.  There are two ways that you can do this.  The first is by going on the Internet to Social Security Administration’s website.  The second way is by calling up Social Security directly.  If you choose the latter, please know that your phone call is only going to secure you an appointment to file your claim either via telephone or in person at one of the local field offices of Social Security.  You will then be mailed at Disability Starter kit or you will be encouraged to go on the Social Security Administration’s website in order to download the Disability Starter Kit.

Filing a Long Term Disability Claim

Prior to your appointment (whether via telephone on in person) you should review the Disability Starter Kit.  It will provide a good basis of understanding what you claims interview will be like.  Also, prior to your interview, you should complete a form called the Disability Report.  This is one part of the application process and the form is also available on the Social Security Administration’s website.  Another form that you are required to complete is the application for Social Security Benefits.  Since the review process can take anywhere from three to five months, you should consider applying as soon as possible for your long term Social Security benefits.

Prior to your interview you will want to provide your doctor’s with a form that requires them to formally assess your condition, why it is considered a disability and why this disability completely prevents you from holding down steady full or part time employment.  During your interview, you may be asked if you can provide such a statement from your physician which is good because you will already have it.

Definition of Disability

To make a long term disability claim for social security disability benefits, you must meet the social security administration definition of disabled. There are two main ways to do this:

• Your disability can be found in the blue book. This is a list of disabilities that the Social Security Administration has compiled that they consider serious enough to constitute disabled and to qualify for disability. Disabilities on the list include terminal cancer, permanent paralysis and other disabilities of related seriousness.
• If your disability is not in the Blue Book, you need to prove that your disability is sufficiently severe enough and that it is as severe or disabling as those injuries in the book. This includes proving it significantly interferes with your ability to work or perform normal life activities.

Next Steps

Once your application meets the minimum requirements for the disability requirements then it will be forwarded to the Disability Determination Services office – there is one in every state.  The Disability Determination Services office makes the final decision regarding your disability application.  Once they verify all of your information and speak with your doctors your claim will either be accepted or rejected and you will receive a letter about the decision.  If your claim is denied, then you have the right to start an appeals process.  Additionally, you can hire an attorney to assist you with your appeal.

Getting Help

If you are going to be filing a long term disability claim either with the Social Security Department or with your own insurance company, getting the help of a qualified and experienced disability attorney is essential. Your attorney can help guide you through the process of applying for disability and can help you prepare your application and compile your evidence to maximize the chances of being found qualified to receive benefits.