Is It Time To File For Social Security Benefits?

If your days at work have become filled with misery and you are afflicted with a medical issue, you may qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This government agency administers a program that sets aside funds from worker's paychecks, and then provides those funds to them when they are no longer able to work at their jobs because of a qualified medical disorder. Before you file, you should make sure that you have done some preparation and understand what the SSA needs to see to approve your benefits. Read on and get ready to file for your benefits.

You must have done enough work: The SSA uses a somewhat confusing way of determining whether or not you have done enough work in the past to qualify for benefits. They use something known as work credits, and you get a work credit for money earned. These credits should be earned within a certain amount of time and the amount of money you earned must be of a minimum amount. For younger workers who may have not had enough time to accrue enough work credits, there are special rules.

You must have a qualifying medical disorder: There are only certain medical (and mental) disorders that the SSA recognizes, and you must also fulfill the time requirement. As long as your qualifying disorder left you unable to work for a year, or a long as it might mean that you will be unable to work for a least in year in the future, you might be able to gain benefits.

You must be able to show proof of your illness: This is the step that trips many applicants up; you will need to show that you have been receiving medical care for your disorder and you must able to show proof through medical records, treatment records or other documentation from your doctor. Even after you send in your application, you must continue to keep all appointments and follow all prescribed treatments.

You must be able to detail your work history and personal information: This part of the application can be the most detailed and annoying, but the SSA must have accurate information about your work history to determine your eligibility. They will want to know the contact info for your last several employers, how much you earned, start and end dates, and more.

The SSA also needs to know some personal information, such as who lives with you, their Social Security numbers and your past education and job training details. You should also expect to be asked about any past marriages.

Even if your preparation is adequate, many times your application will be denied. You have the right to appeal the adversary ruling by attending a hearing, and you have the right to be represented by a Social Security attorney. You probably won't need to pay that law firm any money upfront to represent you, and having professional legal help at your hearing could make all the difference in the world.