SOCIAL
SECURITY COLUMN:
All about disability
By Judith
Bartels,
Social Security district manager in Springfield
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[April 24, 2012]
SPRINGFIELD
-- Disability is something most people do not like to think
about. But if you're not able to work because you have a medical
condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in
death, you may be able to get Social Security disability benefits.
Here's what you need to know.
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You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you
become disabled. It can take months to obtain all your medical
records and process an application for disability benefits (three to
five months, on average). Generally, the information the Social
Security office needs includes:
-
Your Social
Security number.
-
Your birth or
baptismal certificate.
-
Names, addresses
and phone numbers of the doctors, caseworkers, hospitals and
clinics that took care of you, and dates of your visits.
-
Names and dosage of
all the medicine you take.
-
Medical records
that you already have in your possession from your doctors,
therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers.
-
Laboratory and test
results.
-
A summary of where
you worked and the kind of work you did.
-
A copy of your most recent W-2 form
(wage and tax statement) or, if you are self-employed, your
federal tax return for the past year.
Important: Do not delay filing for disability benefits if you
don't have all the above information in your possession. Social
Security will assist you in getting the necessary documents,
including obtaining your medical records.
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The fastest and most convenient way to apply for disability is
online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. You can save your
application as you go, so you can take a break at any time.
If you prefer, you may call toll-free, 1-800-772-1213, to make an
appointment to apply at your local Social Security office or to set
up an appointment for someone to take your application over the
phone.
If you are approved for disability benefits, that doesn't mean
you'll never return to work. Social Security has special rules
called "work incentives" that allow you to test your ability to
work.
Learn more about disability benefits and take advantage of the
helpful Disability Starter Kit at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
[By JUDITH BARTELS, Social Security district
manager, Springfield] |