Be Aware Of These Details When Filing For SSDI Or Disability Benefits
When you have an injury or health condition that makes you unable to work, you may be able to apply for and receive financial benefits. However, in order to be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or disability benefits, you must provide proof that you cannot work and your claim will be checked for veracity. Be aware of the following details so that you can get the approval you need.
You Need to Notify the SSA Right Away
It is a good idea to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) as soon as you plan on applying for any SSDI benefits. That's because your current employer might be making SSDI payments for you on every paycheck; if they are no longer making payments because you are no longer employed there, you may not be eligible for SSDI benefits when you apply.
To make sure this doesn't happen, a simple letter to the SSA of your intention to file for these benefits before you leave your job can provide you with a protective filing date. Even if you leave your job after that, your eligibility remains intact.
There May Be Waiting Periods to Observe
If you are hoping to get any kind of benefits for your disability from a current job, they may require that you use sick time and vacation days before permitting you to file a claim. Talk directly with your company's Human Resources personnel about any deadlines and waiting periods so you know what to expect. If possible, you should also try to look at the written company policy directly, which is typically detailed in your employee handbook. Someone in the HR department may mistakenly provide you with information that isn't true, so looking at the policy yourself can help you to be sure.
Applying for Unemployment Insurance Can Cause You to be Denied
As you await processing of your claim, you might start to be concerned about bills and paying for medication and other items. While waiting, you might think about filing for unemployment insurance benefits so that you've got income. However, taking unemployment insurance implies that you can still hold a job but simply can't find one; receiving conflicting benefits is a sure way to have your disability claim turned down.
Investigators May Check Your Online Activity
If you're like many people, you enjoy posting videos, stories, jokes and other things online. However, it is important to be aware that investigators checking up on your claim might be looking for things you post online. If you are claiming that you can no longer work in your office job but then post pictures of yourself on a surfing trip, investigators can use that information against you.
Knowing more about factors that affect your possible disability benefits can help you make the right decisions throughout the claims process. Visit an attorney who specializes in disability and SSDI benefits so they can offer you guidance along the way.
For more information, contact a professional like Bruce K Billman.
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