“In light of these levels of pending Social Security disability claims, it’s extremely important to be sure you qualify for SSDI benefits before applying.”
Belleville, IL (PRWEB) June 19, 2012
In May, more than 230,000 people filed applications for Social Security Disability Insurance(SSDI), joining the thousands who are waiting to have their initial claims reviewed. By the end of fiscal year 2013, the Social Security Administration (SSA) expects pending initial claims to reach more than 1.1 million, highlighting the need for an expert representative to improve the likelihood of receiving benefits, according to Allsup, which has helped thousands of people to receive their SSDI benefits.
The SSA also estimates that more than 860,000 initial claims may be pending by the end of this fiscal year, which concludes Sept. 30, 2012, according to the SSA Annual Performance Plan for FY 2013.
“In light of these levels of pending Social Security disability claims, it’s extremely important to be sure you qualify for SSDI benefits before applying,” said Mike Stein, assistant vice president of claims at Allsup. “Then, it’s crucial to have all the necessary medical documentation and a treating physician’s support for your claim.”
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federally mandated disability insurance program overseen by the SSA that operates separately from the retirement and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. SSDI provides monthly benefits to those under full retirement age (age 65 or older) who can no longer work because of a severe disability. The impairment must be expected to last for more than 12 months or is terminal. Individuals and employers pay FICA taxes to fund the program.
“It is very difficult to receive benefits with your initial application. Only about 34 percent of all applicants receive benefits with their application, and those who do not may file an appeal,” Stein explained. “One of the best ways to improve your chances earlier in the process is seeking professional SSDI representation.”
Social Security Disability Application: Five Tips For Applying
Navigating the SSDI process is always a marathon; never a sprint. Below, Allsup offers a few tips for prospective SSDI applicants.
1. Be prepared. This means doing homework. Someone can determine if he or she is likely to qualify for SSDI benefits before applying. There are requirements based on age, work history and disability. For example, the applicant must have worked long enough and be insured in order to qualify for Social Security benefits. One way to determine eligibility is to contact Allsup at (800) 678-3276 for a free SSDI evaluation.
2. Know your claim. There are benefits to being a good historian and knowing details about your work and medical histories. For example, it’s important to be able to explain past jobs. Medical records and documentation are key to all SSDI applications. Expert representatives such as Allsup have years of experience gathering medical documentation and preparing the evidence to have a disability claim awarded.
3. Be consistent. Repeat the same information from form to form. Earning credibility goes a long way toward convincing Social Security that the applicant’s claim is legitimate and deserves to receive disability benefits.
4. Be patient. The SSDI process takes a long time. There is no way around this. Most states have several thousand claims in the disability review process at any one time, and it typically takes several months for the initial application to be reviewed. Then, it is likely to be denied.
5. Consider getting help. The process of handling SSDI application forms, documentation, filings, calls, appointments, appeals and interviews necessary to produce a successful claim can be overwhelming. A family member or friend can provide assistance, but there are important advantages to choosing a professional such as Allsup. For example, Allsup’s success rate is 98 percent for customers who complete the SSDI process with them. Consider also that more than half of Allsup customers first applying are awarded at the application level.
Stein explained that having a chronic condition or illness is not enough to qualify. An applicant needs to prove his or her disability through documentation. Someone cannot receive Social Security disability benefits solely because a doctor says he or she is disabled.
“By law, Social Security has a very strict definition of disability and a five-step process to evaluate your claim,” Stein said. “Allsup has taken a very difficult process and tried to make it as bearable as possible, helping thousands of our claimants receive their benefits more quickly and with less stress than they would face applying on their own.”
To determine your SSDI eligibility, contact Allsup’s Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Founded in 1984, Allsup employs more than 800 professionals who deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. The company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, go to http://www.Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.
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