Disability Benefits

Social Security disability benefits assist many people; for some recipients it is their main source of income. In most cases, people with a bona fide disability restricting their ability to work are eligible to receive benefits.

Benefit Eligibility

It is not enough to merely be disabled in order to receive Social Security benefits. Applicants must prove that they are unable to work not only in their previous occupation, but in any other occupation as well. This means that a person who previously worked as a construction worker and then was injured may not receive benefits if the person is able to work in an office and receive an income. Each applicant is individually considered by the Social Security Administration, and certain requirements can be waived in some instances.

Applying for Disability Benefits

The Social Security website has all the forms needed to apply for disability benefits. Applicants can start the application, and then save their information in order to return at another time to complete the process.

There is a three-step process involved with applying for disability benefits online:

• The Adult Disability Starter Kit should be reviewed by applicants prior to starting the application. This kit outlines the process and also lists all the documents that will be required to apply for benefits.
• The online application needs to be filled out completely. It should be noted that this can be a somewhat lengthy process, depending upon each applicant's particular situation.
• The Adult Disability Report must be filled out to allow an applicant's doctor permission to share private medical information with the Social Security Administration. Without proof of a disability, a claim for benefits cannot be approved.

Applicants can also make an appointment with a Social Security representative in order to receive assistance with filling out a benefits application.

Determining Disability Benefits

Many factors determine how much money a recipient will receive monthly from Social Security. How long a person worked, and at what rate of pay they worked, will come into play when an applicant files an application. The severity of the disability will also be considered. This means that a person with a completely debilitating disability will probably receive more monthly funds than a person with a less severe disability. It all depends, however, upon each recipient's particular circumstances.

Receiving Benefits

Benefits can be temporary or permanent, depending upon the nature of the disability. Not everyone who collects benefits from Social Security can do so for their entire life.

People receiving disability benefits can collect their monthly payments one of two ways:

• Direct Deposit - The money is directly deposited into the recipient's bank or credit union account. The funds are available immediately unless the financial institution stipulates otherwise. In some cases, such as when an account is overdrawn, the bank or credit union has the right to use a portion of the deposit to bring the account current.
• Check - The money is sent through the mail to the recipient in the form of a check. Although the Social Security Administration highly recommends benefit recipients choose the Direct Deposit option, they are still able to send payments this way. Not everyone who receives Social Security disability benefits is necessarily comfortable with the idea of Direct Deposit, so for these people a check in the mail is a viable option.

Disability benefits can be a real life-saver for some people who are simply unable to work. Any further questions regarding benefits can be directed to the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213.

• Roadside Assistance Plans
• Full Coverage Dental Insurance
• Low Cost Motorcycle Insurance
• Car Accident Reports

• Free Medical Release Forms
• Sample Medical Release Form
• Guardian Dental Insurance
• Insurance Sample Cancellation Letter
• Sears Appliance Extended Warranty

• The Hartford Insurance Company
• Disability Insurance: An Interview with Law Expert Frank Darras
• Social Security Death Benefits
• Social Security Disability
• Social Security Disability Benefits