If you’ve suffered an injury that has affected your ability to work, it can be hard to know how you will support yourself and your family. Fortunately, for those with severe injuries who possess a long enough work history, it’s possible to apply for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs. SSDI is meant to support disabled workers who are unable to work either permanently or temporarily.
For those inexperienced with the Social Security system, applying for disability benefits in Los Angeles can seem intimidating. Fortunately, once you learn about the application process, you’ll see that receiving your SSDI benefits is easier than you might have imagined. Read about the application process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and learn when you may need to seek legal assistance.
Application Locations
The first step in receiving your SSDI benefits is to decide how you will apply. If you are unable to leave your home, you can apply through the online portal provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While applying online is convenient, you won’t have any assistance if you run into problems during the application process.
If you want to improve your chances of a successful application, you should apply in person at your local SSA office. Applying in person is often easier as you will be able to ask for help from SSA employees if you are struggling to complete your application.
Information the SSA Will Request
Before you are approved to receive your SSDI benefits, you will need to provide the SSA a good deal of required information. Primarily, the SSA wants to know about your work history, including how long you’ve been working, your earnings and if you have acquired enough work credits to be eligible for monthly SSDI payments. In addition to your own records, you will also need to provide contact information for all of your employers for verification purposes.
SSA will also need to verify the extent and severity of your medical condition. You should be sure to include with your application any medical records that demonstrate your disabling condition and how it limits your ability to work.
Completing an Adult Disability Report
Once you have compiled all of the necessary information, you’ll need to complete a document known as an Adult Disability Report. In the Disability Report, you will fully explain your disability and how it affects your ability to work and live your life.
When filling out this report, there are two things to keep in mind. First, you need to as specific as possible when discussing your condition. Vague descriptions may lead the SSA to believe that your disability isn’t severe enough to deserve benefits. Second, you need to be honest when filling out your application. Don’t lie about your condition in any way or embellish its effects to increase your chances for approval.
Get Assistance Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance
Unfortunately, even when if you follow the application process correctly, it’s possible that your application will be denied. To get help applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or to fight a denial, you need to work with the legal professionals at the Law Offices of Bill LaTour.
We’ve been helping disabled individuals in the Greater Los Angeles area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County get the disability benefits they need for years. Call Dr. Bill LaTour and his team today at 800-803-5090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
