There For You During Life’s Uncertainties
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: June 13, 2015
One has only to look at the recent devastating earthquake in Nepal or recall the Boston Marathon bombing to realize that uncertainty is a certainty of life.
Disability can happen to anyone at anytime — when we least expect it.
You can’t always prepare for what life throws at you. Unexpected, sometimes tragic, events can catch you off-guard, leaving you vulnerable.
When times of uncertainty strike, there’s something you can count on: Social Security’s programs are there to support the financial security of nearly every American, often during times of personal and family hardship. Our disability programs play a large role in supporting individuals with disabilities.
In fact, our disability program is critically important to our nation and includes the Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income programs.
People who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death can receive benefits, and in some instances, their family members can as well.
We’re also here to support you when you experience a death in your family. With our online Survivors Benefits Planner tool, you can look at benefits from two sides: how your family members will be protected if you die, and how you may qualify as a survivor on someone else’s Social Security record. These benefits can be especially significant for young families with children.
Disability can happen to anyone at anytime — when we least expect it. If you’re going through an unexpected hardship, our employees are here to serve you and your family. To learn more about our programs and services, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
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Tags: Disability, social security
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Ernestine S.
Hi, I’m Ernestine i applied for Disabiliy Benefits in March 2015 just before marjor back surgery, I have spoke with several people from the Buffalo Office, which gathered the same information from me three times today to July 15, 2015, how long does it take to get a decison, I have no income and bills are piling up,I’m still under the Doctor’s care along with two days of phyical therapy, which is hard. Please help me to understand the process. Thank You in advance, Ernestine.
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Hi Ernestine, we certainly understand your frustration, and apologize for any confusion. The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim can vary depending on several factors; primarily, the nature of your disability, how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources, and if your claim is randomly selected for a quality assurance review of the decision. See How We Decide If You Are Disabled for more information. While your are waiting for a decision, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services may include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. If you need further information about your claim, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.
Janet
I have been on Ssdi since 2007 and shortly after my husband was approved. Now my husband passed in March this year so I went into as office with appt I was told that because I’m only44 I have to wait till I’m 50 to collect my husband Ssdi his checks were a lot of our income and. Now I had to sell my house cause I couldn’t make 1000 a month mortgage I had to sell and move in to parents the system sucks I don’t know how long I have left in my life to live and I should get his benifits but they say no is it possible for me to collect his over mine so I can move forward to heal right now I really just want to give up on life but I have adult children and 2 grandchildren so I have to live this f up life and my parents smoke a lot the babies can’t come visit I have to go there and that’s not the same does anyone know how or if I can fight for his benifits and if so how because I really just don’t understand and can’t afford to live on my 900 a month. And that’s why I don’t want to go on in life. Our lives have been through enough and I can’t focus or remember things except our memories I need my love back before I do not even care about anything anymore and I don’t want that but now I can’t handle this alone please tell me how to deal with life when my husband isn’t here I so lost and hurt I’m not able to sleep I pray and talk to him and God everyday and night all I do is cry and try. It to but I can’t control it nor my anger issues I say things and do things now a days would get shot at and still do it over and over what is wrong with me
Aleks
Hi. I was diagnosed with http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml . What are my options? Thank you.
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Aleks, Social Security disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to result in death. We pay disability benefits under two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, which pays benefits based on earnings and is not subject to income and resource limits; and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
If you think you are disabled, you can file for disability benefits online. If you believe you may qualify because of limited income and resources, you will need to complete an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at your local office. Once you’ve completed the online disability application, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to have one of our representatives schedule an appointment for you at your local office to complete your SSI application.
Tina
I don’t agree with we are here when you need us. I have been diagnosed with something that’s on the disability list. Every time I call any number, the person has no definite answers. Now I am in quality review and cant pay my bills waiting on SSA. I find it amazing that we pay our taxes, but when we need help it seems that the system finds ways not to help. I am bothered by this, but still for this issue for anyone is unacceptable. And why is there not a phone number along with a real person to talk to about this QUALITY REVIEW.
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Tina, the length of time it takes to receive a decision on a disability claim can vary depending on several factors — the nature of your disability, how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources, and if your claim is randomly selected for a quality assurance review. If your claim is currently undergoing a quality review, it means that it is now in the final stage before providing you with a decision. If you are having problems connecting with us by phone, we encourage you to work directly with your local field office to get status on your claim.
S T.
Doctors must document the reasons for inability to perform functions needed to work, not merely state that the patient is unable to work. Determination of disability is made in the claim process, not in the doctor’s office. Most medical records never make any mention what is needed to demonstrate inability to work, so be prepared to pay a doctor for time spent on this medically unnecessary documentation.
rk
Applied for disability 22 years ago, afflicted with chemical hypersensitivity. Denied twice. Immediate cognitive impairment on exposure to many things found indoors, in offices, etc. Send to for psych evaluation and insufficient tests performed by doctor. Those with money can afford the right tests, and lawyers. Those without the funds, well, like me, they are left to fend for themselves. I found some work, but was fired as soon as they learned of my condition.
R. C.
The Office of Rehabilitation might be of help. Yes, they will help get a medical evaluation confirmed and job search/placement with participating employers The state often has a voucher payment for temporary medical costs. Contact State Workforce Services. Don’t give up. Three denials with that SSI is the charm with everyone.
Nancy
I have a 43 yr. old son who has several disabilities and has tried many times to get his disability and is always turned down! One thing he has is narcolepsy. Who can work when you don’t know when you are going to to fall asleep?
And it comes with many other problems. They sure haven’t done a thing to help him!
Baddodge
You must have good documents supporting what ever the aliment from the doc’s
bettyg
most important thing when filing for ssdi benefits is to have SUPPORTIVE drs. medical records including RFC, RESIDUAL FUNCTION CAPACITY, which asks about following things:
sitting, walking, standing, crawling, bending, lifting, using your hands, etc.
how many hours can you do EACH OF ABOVE at 1 time?
0-2 hrs, 2-4 hrs, 4-6 hrs, or 6-8 hrs. IN SHAPE YOU ARE TODAY; not day last worked!
if you don’t have this; you’re out of luck as ssdi/dds reps use this religiously.
also, go to list of APPROVED LIST OF ADULT LIST OF IMPAIRMENTS and document which sections/sub-sections, etc. APPLY to your situation and show the dates their records indicate this.
i typed up a list of going back thru 2 case files!
my lawyer quit me 4 yrs. into the 2nd one. he didn’t FILE A BRIEF with appeals council; so they did NOT have to look at my 2″ medical files submitted; just read admin law judge’s summary and DENIED me.
i represented myself at 2nd video hearing and WON 2 wks. later after 5 yrs. of HELL going thru this process!
i have 3 drawers full of medical files and filing DUPLICATE paperwork over and over! grrr.
DON’T GIVE UP EVER! take it as far as you can. good luck to all.
R. C.
Let me tell you how frightened I am knowing that your son and other people’s lives are endangered when your son falls asleep suddenly at the wheel, or anywhere for that matter. Get an advocate lawyer.
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We are sorry to hear of your son’s condition Nancy, and we understand your frustration. Social Security disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or end in death. We use the same five-step process to make a decision on each application. You may also find our listing of impairments useful. Your son may be eligible to receive services from the state in which he lives, such as Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. To find out whether he may qualify, contact your state or local social services or welfare office. You may also be able to find help in your area by reading Programs for People with Disabilities. We hope this information helps.
Marcia J.
It is so sad that people who really need this assistance are denied over and over and over again. How does a person who is unable to work and receive any kind of income live for over a year waiting for SS benefits to be approved? AND after the benefits are approved, why does it take 3 more months to start receiving these benefits. Your department either needs more staffing or more honesty.
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Thanks for your question and comments, Marcia. The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim can vary depending on several factors such as the nature of your disability, how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources, and if your claim is randomly selected for a quality assurance review. After a medical decision has been made on the claim, we may also still need to verify documents or other personal information to finalize the process, and to establish your payments correctly. We encourage you to continue to work directly with your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak with someone regarding the status of your claim. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.
Baddidge
Yes it can happen to anyone and even caused by others not paying attention to what they are doing. I did not trip over my own shoelaces or cause it myself but a driver who forgot to pull his head out of somewhere when he was driving. And now a life of not my choosing.
Kevan M.
This very true & I’m living proof. I was always healthy and after a SUB hit my car I later sustained injuries that changed my life forever. Without Social Security Disability, I would have had nothing to survive on. It was a blessing.
Kim
Car accident tbat caused a rare bone marrow disease from the steroids given to me afterwards!!! I fought for 9 yrs and got approved only back to July 2015! Just ridiculous!!! OVER 2 yrs just ro get in front of a judge and another 18 months to get your back pay! I’m divorced! How do tbey think I’m gonna feed & house etc myself if I physicallu can’t work! 4 Drs said I can’t work. I didn’t know judges went to medical school!!! I’ve had 19 surgeries and have many more ro come, but I wasn’t disabled in their eyes til 2015??? I’ve had the same diagnoses the entire 9 yrs. Just sad. Our system is BROKEN !!!!!!!!!!
Archie P.
I have had to change my checking account number/routing due to un-authorized access by others.
I use this for direct deposit of my SS monthly.
To whom should I forward my new accoutn info?
I do not which to do this online, if possible for security.
Thanks
Patricia E.
You can access the Social Security website that you see to check your benefits and update your account information there or visit the Social Security office near you. You can also advise you bank and they can help you until the social security office can change your deposit information. You need to do this immediately as the SS office needs at least 15 business days before your deposit to make changes.
Robert B.
You can also have your bank to set this up with social security ,they will call them and set up your direct deposit over the phone ,this is what i do when i have to change my bank account
R. C.
Just call your local telephone number or go to your newest Social Security Office. I hope this hacking will not happen to me when I start receiving my benefits.
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Hi Archie. Using our online services to manage your benefits is safe and secure, and you only have to create a my Social Security account to change your direct deposit information online. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Or, you can visit your local Social Security office. You may also be able to change your direct deposit at your bank, credit union, or savings and loan. We hope this information helps!
Tee
I did not find a direct deposit link or choice in my account, can you tell me how to find that please?
I spoke to a local ssa employee and I asked her if she wanted to sign me up for direct deposit before I get disbursed? She said it was too soon, how can it be too soon when supposedly my case is at the payment center.
I also called my bank and they did not offer to call or set up anything, just emailed me a deposit form for direct deposit.
Now, I am concerned that ssa may send my funds to an old closed bank account.
If there is no deposit info on file when they process the payments in the beginning, how will I receive the funds, check or debit card?
Thanks
francois a.
yes it is factual saying it might happen any time to anyone what can we do . can we avoid this ? or can we reduce its happening ?