Answers to Your Questions about Filing for Baltimore Social Security Disability Benefits
Information Provided by the National Benefits Center, Inc.
At the National Benefits Center, Inc., we are dedicated to helping people understand the Social Security application process. You can contact us at any time and we will respond to your call no matter what. We understand that Social Security disability benefits can be complicated and we will do whatever we can to help you throughout the application process.
Where to File for Social Security Disability Benefits
To file for Social Security, you must first fill out an application. This application is available on the Social Security website or can be ordered by phone and mailed to your home address. It can also be picked up in person from your local Social Security Administration (SSA) field office.
The Application Process
The application process involves filling out and filing an Application for Social Security Benefits with your local SSA field office. This application includes information about your work history and other factors that may affect your eligibility for Baltimore Social Security disability benefits.
You must also fill out a Disability Report, which contains information about yourself and your medical condition, health care providers, prescription medications, education and job skills. This Disability Report is used to obtain medical records and other information to help determine whether you are considered disabled for purposes of obtaining Social Security benefits. During this process, you will also fill out forms that give your treating physicians permission to release your medical records to your state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office.
The Social Security process can take a long period of time, so it is important that you apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. Simply processing an application can take three to five months and you may not begin receiving payments for up to three years. To help speed up the application process, you should be sure to provide all of the following information to your local Social Security office when applying for disability benefits:
- Your Social Security number
- A birth certificate
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals and clinics from which you received medical care and dates for each hospital and doctor visit
- The name and dosage of each prescription medication you take
- Medical records from every doctor, hospital, therapist and clinic you have visited, if you have such records in your possession
- Laboratory and test results
- A summary of your work history and the type of work you have previously performed
- A copy of your most recent W-2 or federal tax return
If you cannot obtain all of the above information quickly, simply submit your application with the information you do have. Do not delay in filing, for this can delay receipt of your benefits if you are deemed eligible.
The Appeals Process
Once a decision is made, your local Social Security office will send you a letter indicating their decision. If you are deemed eligible to receive Baltimore Social Security disability benefits, the letter will include information on the amount and start date of your benefits. If you are denied, the letter will explain why your claim was denied and will provide you with information on how to appeal the decision.
If you are denied benefits and you choose to appeal the decision, you must request an appeal in writing within sixty days of receiving the letter. There are four basic levels of appeal:
- Reconsideration
- A hearing by an administrative law judge
- Review by the Appeals Council
- Federal Court review
To learn more about the appeals process, review your decision letter or contact the National Benefits Center, Inc. for more information.
Assistance throughout the Process of Filing for Social Security
If you need assistance while filing your Baltimore Social Security disability claim, contact the National Benefits Center, Inc. today. One of our dedicated representatives will return your call to explain the application process to you and answer any questions you may have.
