| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available | | | | a SSDI advocacy firm to help you. SSA is very strict |
| for people who have become seriously disabled and | | | | with their determination process, which is why about |
| can no longer hold a job to earn income. The program, | | | | 63 percent of first-time applicants are denied benefits. |
| administered by the Social Security Administration | | | | If this happens to you, you can appeal the decision. |
| (SSA), follows very specific requirements to determine | | | | The Social Security Disability Appeal Process |
| eligibility for benefits. | | | | The first step in the appeals process is to request a |
| Social Security Disability Requirements | | | | reconsideration of the decision. You should do this |
| Even if you have paid into Social Security in prior | | | | within 60 days of receiving your initial letter of denial. |
| years, you must have worked five out of the last 10 | | | | Your case will go to a State Disability Determination |
| years to qualify for Social Security Disability insurance. | | | | Services office that has not seen your case prior to |
| If your disability is on SSA's list of qualifying medical | | | | the initial denial. The office will review your medical |
| conditions, and has kept you out of work for a year, or | | | | records and any new information you may have that |
| may result in death, you will be approved for benefits. | | | | can support your case. If your case is denied again, |
| There are medical exceptions. If you have an equally | | | | you can take the next step in the appeals process, |
| severe, but non-qualifying disabling condition that makes | | | | and request a hearing. |
| it impossible for you to work, you may be eligible for | | | | A hearing provides the opportunity for you to present |
| Disability Insurance. | | | | your case to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in |
| Work history, skills, age, and education are also | | | | person. You can present evidence, witnesses, and |
| considered in determining eligibility. If your medical | | | | answer any questions the ALJ may have about your |
| condition severely interferes with your ability to do the | | | | case. Following the hearing, the ALJ will issue an |
| work you did previous to your condition, SSA will | | | | independent, written decision on your appeal. |
| review your work experience and decide whether you | | | | Should you still be denied benefits, you have the option |
| can adapt to different work. If SSA makes the | | | | of taking your case to District Court where an |
| determination that you are unable to work, you will | | | | Appeals Council will review the hearing decision to |
| receive benefits. | | | | determine if your case was properly rendered |
| If you think you qualify for SSDI benefits, you need to | | | | according to the law. |
| gather all your medical information, as well as your | | | | The application process can be long and complicated, |
| work history and educational background so that you | | | | but worth the effort if you think you meet the |
| are prepared for the application process. | | | | requirements for SSDI benefits. |
| You can apply online at the SSA Web site, or contact | | | | |