Question:
How
does Social Security decide if I am disabled?
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Answer:
By law, Social Security has a very
strict definition of disability. To be found disabled:
- You must be unable to do any substantial work
because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your medical condition(s) must have lasted,
or be expected to last, at least 1 year, or be
expected to result in your death.
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Question:
My doctor says I am disabled. Is that enough to
qualify me for disability benefits? |
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Answer:
No. You cannot get disability benefits
solely because your doctor says you are disabled. |
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Question:
I am getting disability payments from my job or
another agency. Can I automatically get Social Security disability benefits? |
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Answer: No.
Social Security disability laws are different from
most other programs. For example, Social Security
does not pay benefits for partial disability.
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Question:
How long does it take to make a decision? |
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Answer: It
takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. This
depends on how much time it takes to get your medical
records and any other evidence needed to make a
decision. |
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Question:
How does Social Security make the decision? |
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Answer: Social
Security sends your application to a state agency
that makes disability decisions. The state has
medical and vocational experts who will contact
your doctors and other places where you received
treatment to get your medical records.
The state agency may ask you to have an examination
or medical test. You will not have to pay for any
examination or test. If the state does request an
examination, make sure you keep the appointment. |
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Question:
If Social Security decides that I am disabled,
what types of benefits can I receive? |
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Answer: Social
Security pays disability benefits under two programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
for insured workers, their disabled surviving
spouses and children (disabled before age 22)
of disabled, retired or deceased workers.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people
with little or no income and resources.
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Question:
Can I do anything to speed up the decision?
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Answer:
Yes. You can speed up the decision by making sure
Wheeler and Beaton has current, updated information
and reports from your doctors, Medical Source
Statements, letters, etc. as medical evidence
of total disability. |
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Question:
Where can I get more information?
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Answer:
You can visit the web site at www.socialsecurity.gov,
ask the interviewer during your appointment or
call toll-free, 1-800-772-1213
(for the deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY
1-800-325-0778) |
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