Navigation The Social Security Disability Process
This blog begins a set of blogs which will detail the process of filing for Social Security disability and what happens if you are denied. The blogs will cover the 4 different stages of the Social Security disability process and what happens at each stage. The 4 stages are as follows: 1) Initial, 2) Reconsideration, 3) Hearing, and 4) Appeals Council.
The initial stage begins by filing an application with the Social Security Administration. An application can be filed online once you have created a My SSA account, in person by going to your local Social Security office, or by calling your local Social Security office. The application is then processed to make sure you meet Social Security’s non-disability requirements, which may include age, employment, marital status, or Social Security coverage information. In order to qualify for Social Security disability, you must be “insured” which means you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years and paid FICA taxes. Those who have not worked or paid into Social Security must undergo an additional interview process to determine if they are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is based on a person’s household income. In order to qualify for SSI, any income or assets must be under the federal income limit.
