Information Necessary for Social Security Disability Approval

In the United Sates, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands there are many people who want to opt for Social Security disability benefits. However, approval of these benefits is usually not that easy, and the help of an experienced attorney in the matter is highly recommended. They can provide you with the legal advice and representation you may need.

You probably have questions related to this Social Security program. That is why in this article we want to provide you with important information and basic concepts that you should know. We assure you that they will help you request and fight for the approval of your disability benefits.

Social Security disability approval

To be approved for Social Security disability benefits, some steps and requirements must be met. To discuss them in depth, you can seek the help of our Social Security disability attorneys in Puerto Rico. In fact, they can apply for your benefits online for you if your medical condition is very complicated. However, you can go to the nearest Social Security office to make your application. Also, it can be done by mail or by phone.

Social Security disability definition

By law, Social Security has its definition of disability, which you must know when making your application. To be considered disabled, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from performing substantial work. Likewise, this medical condition must last at least one year or result in death.

Some private disability programs provide a certain amount of money to people who have a partial or short-term disability. In the case of Social Security, benefits are granted exclusively to people with total disabilities.

Submission of the application

Many people ask us if the help of a Social Security lawyer is really necessary for the approval of disability benefits. You may be delayed while you gather all the documents and requirements by Social Security. A lawyer will be in charge of submitting your application as soon as possible, and attaching the available medical records. You can even start to develop your case if you do not yet have all the documentation mentioned above.

Process for your disability application

As we have already mentioned, you can apply in person, online, by mail or by phone. Regardless of which option you prefer, the application process follows a few general steps.

First of all, you must gather the necessary documents to fill out and submit your application. Social Security will take the time it considers. This is in order to review your application and ensure that you are meeting the basic requirements that determine your disability. This way, they will confirm if you have worked enough years and have accumulated the necessary credits to qualify for benefits. In addition, they will make an evaluation of current work activities.

Finally, Social Security processes your application and will send your case to your state's disability determination agency. This state agency will decide if you have a disability.

Information about your medical condition

To prove your medical condition, you must provide:

Name, address and telephone number of a person who will serve as a contact if you are not available. He or she must have knowledge of your medical conditions to help you with your application.
Information about your medical illnesses, injuries or conditions. You must provide information regarding your name, address, identification number, dates of treatments with different doctors, hospitals and clinics. Also, you must provide the names of medications used, the dosage amount, and who prescribed them. As well as the names and dates of medical examinations to which you have been subjected, and who gave the order.

Information about your employment

Social Security will want to know the following information about your employment for approval of disability benefits:

Amount of money earned last year and this year
Name and address of your employers this year and last year
Initial and ending date of active service in the U.S. Armed Forces, which was performed before 1968
List the types of work (limit of 5) in which you have worked in the last 15 years, before becoming disabled. It is important to include the date you worked in each of those jobs.
Information regarding any compensation for workers with miner's lung disease. Other benefits that you have applied for or wish to apply for such as workers' compensation, federal employee compensation, civil service retirement, among others.

Documents for approval of disability benefits

These are the documents you must have for approval of your disability benefits:

Original birth certificate or certified copy, proof of U.S. citizenship, or legal residency if born abroad
Social Security numbers, both of your spouse and your minor children
W-2 or tax return from the year before you applied
Medical record that you have or can easily obtain. It can be medical records, doctors' reports or results of the latest tests performed.
Checking or savings account number, if you have one
Name, address and telephone number of a person who will serve as a contact, if you are not available

After applying

It is convenient to know that the time to process disability applications will depend on the nature of the disabilities, as well as the medical examinations and reviews that serve as evidence. When Social Security receives your application, they review it and will contact you if they have any questions. There is a possibility that they will request additional documents to continue with the application process.

Check the status of the application

You will probably be interested in reviewing the application status. To do this, you can log in online using your personal “My Social Security” account. You can also call the Social Security numbers during office hours.

Approval response

Once the state agency makes a decision regarding your case, it sends a letter in the mail with the final decision. How long does it take? Typically, it can take three to six months to have a decision. If you have included information about other family members when you apply, you will be informed if they can receive benefits through your record.

Appeal the decision

Do you disagree with the decision made by Social Security? You have the right to make an appeal to receive your benefits. The appeal must be requested in writing within 60 days of receiving the decision. There are 4 levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing by an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, review by the Federal Court.

¿Do you need approval for your disability benefits?

This is some of the information you must know for approval of disability benefits. When you apply, you or your disability attorney must provide Social Security with some documents and information related to your age, employment, citizenship, etc. Additionally, Social Security will want to know everything related to your impairments and treatment. If you do not have the necessary medical tests, Social Security can help you obtain them.

In Fuentes & Fuentes we help you in your process to obtain Social Security disability benefits. In addition to providing you with legal advice, we collect all the information necessary for your application. If you are not approved on the first try, we also know how to prepare your appeal. We are disability lawyers with vast experience in Puerto Rico. Contact us now to provide you with the advice you deserve without charging a penny until your case is approved.