Understanding the Social Security Process
Information About Baltimore Supplemental Security Income and Other Disability Benefits Provided by the National Benefits Center, Inc.
If you have recently suffered a disabling condition, you likely have questions about applying for Social Security disability benefits. The National Benefits Center, Inc. is a national office that can assist you throughout the application process. We have trained representatives who are willing and ready to answer any questions you may have.
The Application Process
The most important thing to realize about the application process is that it can be lengthy and very in-depth. Just processing the application by itself can take three to five months and the entire investigation can take two or three years. Because of the lengthy process, it is important that you apply for Social Security disability benefits as soon as you suffer a disabling condition. This will ensure that you begin receiving disability payments as soon as possible.
The process of applying for Social Security benefits involves filing an Application for Social Security Benefits and a Disability Report with your local Social Security Administration (SSA) field office. These documents include information about your work history, eligibility for Social Security benefits, your medical condition, and any other information that may be used to determine whether you are considered to have a long-term disability. The information collected depends largely on whether you are seeking Baltimore Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (DIB); or both. Supplemental security income (SSI) and Disability insurance benefits (DIB) have different have different eligibility criteria.
The Disability Determination Process
Once you have filed your application, your claim will be processed through your local SSA field office and state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. The SSA field office will verify any non-medical eligibility requirements, including information such as:
- Age
- Employment history
- Marital status
- Social Security coverage information
Once this information has been verified by the field office, your case will be sent to the state DDS office. Officials at the DDS office will develop medical evidence that demonstrates a disability and will render the initial determination of whether you are considered disabled, as defined by the Social Security Administration.
During the evaluation process, the DDS tried to obtain evidence using any information you share about your medical condition, including interviewing your treating physicians, reviewing your medical files, and considering any prescription medications you are currently taking. If the DDS does not find sufficient information to make a determination, it will arrange for you to have a consultative examination (CE) to learn more about your medical condition. The DDS prefers to use your primary treating physician to conduct the CE but, if your treating physician is unavailable, the DDS may use an independent physician.
The Final Decision
Once the DDS makes a disability determination, it returns the file to the SSA field office. If the DDS finds you disabled, the SSA then completes any outstanding investigation of non-medical information and computes the benefit amount. You will then receive a letter indicating the amount of benefits you will receive and when you should expect to begin receiving payments.
If the DDS finds no disability, a letter is sent explaining why your benefits were denied and you are given an opportunity to appeal the decision. Files of all denied claims are kept in the SSA field office in case you decide to appeal your decision.
Answering Your Questions about the Social Security Process
The National Benefits Center, Inc. provides representatives who are qualified to answer any questions you may have about the Social Security process. We are willing to assist anyone throughout the process and will return your call, no matter what. For assistance with your Baltimore SSI disability claim or disability insurance benefits (DIB) claim, contact a disability advocate at the National Benefits Center, Inc. today.
