Disability can affect anyone at any point in time. Thanks to social security disability payments, you can make sure you get the money you are entitled to and focus on what you need to do to get things straightened around once again. However, many people have formed a few misconceptions about social security disability payments that end up making the application process even more confusing when they apply. To make sure you know what you are dealing with, here are three common misconceptions you need to be aware of.
You can collect benefits even if you aren't able to work for a short time.
Unfortunately, many people assume that they are able to collect disability benefits even if they can't work for three to six months. However, that isn't the case. To be eligible for benefits, you have to be dealing with an injury that is preventing you from being able to work for a minimum of one year or something that could end up resulting in your untimely passing. Anyone who has been disabled for at least a year, or has a medical prognosis that indicates they will be incapacitated for that long, should speak with a disability attorney to find out more about how to apply and begin receiving benefits.
All you need to get benefits is a note that says you are disabled.
While you do need to get an opinion from your doctor about your current condition, it takes more than just that to be able to receive social security disability benefits. You will need to provide medical records, your work history and test results that outline what it is that you are dealing with. Once you have submitted all of the proper paperwork, you will have to wait for your case to be reviewed by a specialist.
It doesn't take very long to get approved, so it can wait.
Many people figure that it won't take long to get a final approval from social security, but that isn't the case. Depending on how busy the agency is and how complicated your case is, it could take months, or even years, before you get a final answer. If they deny your claim, you are stuck having to appeal their decision, which adds more time to your claim.
With so many different misconceptions out there about social security disability, you need to speak to a licensed attorney, like those at Ball & Ferrari, who can help you along the way.
Share