When it comes to submitting a Leesburg SSDI application, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to qualified applicants, but there are a handful of steps you will need to take and a lot of information to provide between the application process, eligibility requirements, appealing a decision, and more.
While it can sound like a daunting process to tackle, applying for Social Security Disability can be simplified and streamlined with the right information and legal partner on your side. Culbertson, Jacobs, & LaBoda, PLLC, is here to help guide you through it all.
In this blog, we will first go over what is required for the application, and then highlight 3 important things to remember when submitting a Leesburg SSDI application:
The Application Process
Applying for benefits includes the following five steps:
- Gather all necessary documentation
- Fill out and submit your application
- The Social Security Administration will determine if qualifications are met, including:
- Determining if there are enough years of work to qualify
- Evaluating current work-related tasks, requirements, and activities
- The Social Security Administration will forward the application to your state Disability Determination Services office
- The Disability Determination Services in your state will make the disability benefits decision
While this process looks simple enough, it can prove to be a lengthy one. The Social Security Administration determines that the processing time is approximately 103 days for disability claims. In some cases, a review of documentation, proof, and evidence can even take up to two years.
SSDI Eligibility
Before beginning the application process, you will first need to find out if you are eligible. You may only apply for disability benefits if you meet the following requirements:
- You are over the age of 18
- You are unable to work due to medical conditions that are expected to last longer than 12 months or result in death
- You have earned enough work credits to qualify
- You have not applied for and been denied benefits in the past 60 days
Information Needed
There are a variety of documents and records that you may need to include in your Leesburg SSDI application:
- A birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful resident alien status
- W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns
- U.S. military discharge papers, if you had military service before 1968
- An Adult Disability Report
- Medical records
- And more
Questions To Answer
Once you have determined if you’re eligible and gathered the proper documentation, you will need to answer a myriad of questions on your application. While there are far too many to list out, the majority of the questions relate to your family information, employment history, and details on your medical condition.
If by chance your Leesburg SSDI application is denied, there is an appeals process that is available. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, an administrative hearing, review by the Appeals Council, and Federal Court review. If you are denied benefits, the letter that explains your denial will also include guidance on the level of appeal that is right for you.
No matter if you are planning to apply for disability benefits or if your claim was denied, an attorney can help with your Leesburg SSDI application today. Our team of legal professionals will help you file your claim with confidence and pursue the disability benefits that you need. Contact Culbertson, Jacobs, & LaBoda, PLLC,today to schedule an initial consultation.