Disability Benefits -The Application Process

In order to claim social security disability benefits for whatever disability you may have, you first have to make an application. Obviously, to do this the first thing you need to do is visit the local Social Security Office or call them on their toll free number.

• In Charge: At this stage, your SSI income application is handled by the claim’s representative of your local Social Security office. This officer is in charge of determing whether you fit the bill for the claims you make. The Claim’s Rep considers only non-medical issues and the medical requirements are not determined by this officer.

Following this, your Social Security disability benefits application is then dispatched to the state agency which makes a decision on the medical and health requirements for your claim. This agency is known as the Disability Determination Services and is a 100% federal funded state run agency.

• In Charge: At this stage, your SSI income application is handled by a Disability Determination Specialist. This officer double checks on all your medical claims by getting in touch with your doctor, your physicians, clinics, hospitals and any other medical institutions or professionals that may be able to shed light on your case. Based on the information provided by the medical professionals, the disability determination specialist assesses your medical condition and also reviews your vocational information.
• The information is then further assessed by a medical specialist to ascertain whether your medical condition prevents you from working in your nominated field. If so, to what degree.
• Further, quality assurance staff may also look through your paperwork for disability benefits in order to ensure everything is in order.

The Disability Discrimination Services office makes a decision about whether or not you are eligible to claim Social Securtiy Disability Benefits. Needless to say, these decisions are not made randomly and are made after carefully studying your case and after all relevant information has been thorughly scrutinized and assessed.

Once the DDS has made a decision, your case is sent back to the local Social Security office. If your medical claim is denied by the DDS, the local office will send you a letter outlining the reasons for denial. If your claim has been approved, the local Claims Representative once again assures all non-medical matters are in order and payments are consequently initiated as quickly as possible.

Local and state agency employees working in the field of disability work hard to ensure cases are looked at and processed as quickly as possible. Some people who have been denied Social Security insist it is an arbitrary decision, however the decision for disability benefits is based purely on whether your case fits disability laws and regulations. The people involved work within these parameters to assess whether or not your claim stands, and if it does, ensure payments as quickly as possible.

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental security income or SSI income is a federal income supplement program that is sponsored by the general tax revenues of the U.S. government. The supplemental security income program is based on the financial needs of an individual and is thus often referred to as the Welfare Program as it caters to individuals unable to earn normal levels of income due to some condition. The basic purpose of the SSI income program is to:

• Provide supplement security income to the elderly, blind or disabled individuals who have negligible income.
• Provide SSI income for meeting basic living, clothing and food requirements of such individuals.

SSI Eligibility & Disability SSI application

SSI Eligibility

There are certain qualifications that must be met before applying for the supplemental security income benefits. The most important SSI eligibility requirements are:

• Must be 65 years or older, blind, or have an SSI income approved disability
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien
• Must currently reside in the United States
• Must be earning lower than the minimum standards set by the SSI benefits program

How to Apply for SSI?

After determining SSI eligibility requirements for supplemental security income, the next question most frequently asked is how to apply for SSI. In order to obtain SSI benefit, a disability SSI application must be completed in full and submitted to the Social Security Administration for approval. It is suggested that you visit your nearest Social Security Administration office to complete a disability SSI application as an interview might be necessary to provide you with your supplemental security income. You can make an appointment and visit the local SSA office to complete the SSI benefits claim. You must bring the following paperwork in order to receive your SSI benefits.

• Disability SSI application form
• Social Security card
• Birth Certificate or other forms of identification
• Payroll stubs
• Paperwork connected with the assets and resources in your name

SSI Disability Benefit

The supplemental security income can provide SSI disability benefit to individuals who qualify under the disability requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration. In order to obtain SSI benefit under this program one be eligible under the following definition of a disability, as defined by the SSA. “The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (work) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or result in death.”

There are doctors and professional disability examiners who will inspect you to determine your SSI eligibility. Once your SSI income approval comes through, you are not eligible to start receiving SSI payments. The SSI disability benefit has proven to be extremely beneficial to several individuals in severe need for financial resources.

When your earnings are low due to a disability, blindness or old age, the supplemental security income can provide you with SSI payments that can benefit your life in significant ways. If you meet the SSI eligibility requirements, you can claim SSI benefits for supplemental security income from the Federal government at no cost to you. Knowing how to apply for SSI and how to file the disability SSI application form would be necessary to obtain SSI disability from the government. SSI income can be of substantial benefit to individuals facing difficulties in earning income. By filing proper SSI benefits claims, one can easily improve their quality of life by making good use of this much needed government assistance program.

References:

1. Supplemental Security Income – Social Security Online
2. Supplemental Security Income – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Alzheimer Support

What is Alzheimer’s?

According to the National Institute of Aging, “Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living.” Alzheimer’s disease destroys the brain cells and causes affected regions to shrink. The disease is fatal and is by far the most common form of dementia. Although Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, a number of Alzheimer treatment options are available which may delay its onset.

Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Alzheimer’s symptoms are varied and can differ between individuals. The most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are:

• Losing valuables
• Trouble remembering names and places
• Depression
• Drastic change in habits
• Unable to choose appropriate clothing
• Difficulty recognizing familiar people
• Forgetting personal history
• Paying bills, laundry, other daily activities

Alzheimer’s Stages

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder which worsens with each stage. While there is no distinct transition period, individual behavior in clinical tests is used to determine a person’s Alzheimer’s stage. The basic Alzheimer’s stages are:

Stage 1: No Impairment

No visible signs of Alzheimer’s disease is present.

Stage 2: Minimal Impairment

Impairment is hardly noticeable and can be associated with normal forgetfulness.

Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline

Friends and family notice changes in behavior such as memory loss, planning and organizational problems and concentration difficulties.

Stage 4: Mild Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease can now be detected in clinical tests. Problems with memory and concentration are very apparent now.

Stage 5: Moderate Alzheimer’s disease

Further loss in memory of personal history and daily events. Assistance required for various tasks.

Stage 6: Moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease

Significant changes in personality. Difficulty remembering close family members. Help is needed for trivial daily activities.

Stage 6: Severe Alzheimer’s disease

At this final Alzheimer’s stage, individuals stop responding to the environment and slowly lose the ability to speak and perform any movement activities.

Alzheimer Treatment Options & Alzheimer support

Alzheimer Treatment

Even though it cannot be cured, Alzheimer treatment options are available through various Alzheimer support groups. The Alzheimer treatments that are currently offered are used to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It is used to make the life of an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease easier and more comfortable. A number of drugs are available for Alzheimer treatment. It is important to consult a professional doctor in order to obtain accurate Alzheimer’s information on the drugs required. These drugs help delay the disease and even improve your memory. Regular exercise and good nutrition also helps in improving one’s condition when Alzheimer’s symptoms are first noticed. Aside from medication, Vitamin E supplements are often prescribed as it has been beneficial in Alzheimer treatment. Detailed Alzheimer’s information can be obtained from your doctor or medical examiner.

Alzheimer Support

There is not much Alzheimer’s information available regarding whether SSD benefits for Alzheimer’s care can be obtained. In July 2009, the SSA met to discuss whether they should include Alzheimer’s disease in the Compassionate Allowances List so that SSD benefits for Alzheimer’s care can be given out. This was a big step towards Alzheimer support and was welcomed by the Alzheimer Association.

However, individuals can go ahead and file social security disability benefits when Alzheimer’s symptoms are apparent. Even though Alzheimer’s disease is not included in the disability list, the fact that it “affects and limits” the daily activities of an individual is enough to obtain Alzheimer support from social security.

The fatal and progressive Alzheimer’s disease has become the seventh leading cause of death in the United States today. Individuals with Alzheimer’s symptoms are often in denial and thus do not receive proper Alzheimer’s information that may help improve their lives. Exploring the numerous Alzheimer treatment options would be very valuable to such individuals. It is important to understand and detect which Alzheimer’s stages have been crossed. With appropriate help from friends, family members and Alzheimer support organizations, an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can lead a much better and longer life.

References:

1. Alzheimer’s – National Institute of Aging
2. All about Alzheimer’s – Alzheimer’s Association
3. Alzheimer’s Disease Overview – Web MD
4. Social Security Administration Considers Adding Alzheimer’s To Compassionate Allowance List – Medical News Today

Carpal Tunnel Disability: Definition and Symptoms

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Nowadays, whenever a person is feeling a tingling sensation on their fingers, somebody has to mention that they have carpal tunnel disability. According to the National Institutes of Health, it occurs when the median nerve of your hand gets pressed at the wrist region. As it controls sensations for your thumb and fingers, the condition causes pain, tingling sensations and weakness and numbness of the hand region.

What are the Symptoms for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome are usually gradual and start with itchiness and tingling sensations at the palm and thumb region. As the condition progresses, pain is slowly felt in the entire hand region. If carpal tunnel help is not received, the hand will slowly lose the ability to grip small objects or even lose the usage of the hand. If treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is not obtained, the hand will eventually not even be able to distinguish hot and cold and become completely useless.

Carpal Tunnel Disability: Causes and Treatments

What are the Causes for Carpal Tunnel Disability?

The causes for carpal tunnel syndrome are wide and varied. The common ones are:

• The carpal tunnel is genetically built smaller for some people.
• Repeated pressure to the wrist region due to continuous activity like using laptops, cell phones, video games etc.
• Sprain or fracture.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Fluid retention during pregnancy.

What are the Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Disability?

There are a number of treatment options available for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Nonsurgical Therapy

• Wrist Splinters
• Pain relieving drugs or corticosteroids
• Acupressure or acupuncture
• Daily wrist exercises

Surgical

• Open release surgery
• Endoscopic surgery

Carpal Tunnel: Claims and Compensation

Millions of dollars are spent by companies each year on carpal tunnel compensation. Workers exposed to excessive vibrating machinery or uncomfortable work structures are increasingly blaming their work for their carpal tunnel disability and requesting carpal tunnel benefits claims to pay for the hardships endured. While you may have symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome, in most cases, carpal tunnel compensation is lost due to inability to prove that the condition has been caused by your work. If you have a carpal tunnel disability, it is recommended that you hire an experienced attorney while making carpal tunnel benefits claims. The attorney will foresee the legal aspects of the carpal tunnel claims and ensure that you are compensated for the difficulties you are facing.

While symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome may be gradual and unnoticeable at first, early detection is the key to finding appropriate carpal tunnel help for your condition. Carpal tunnel disability may be avoided by understanding what is happening with your body and recognizing the symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome as soon as it occurs. A number of surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available to heal your hand. If your condition has been caused by work, you must try filing a carpal tunnel benefits claims. Various carpal tunnel compensation programs are available for a carpal tunnel disability that is proved to have been caused by negligence at work. Explore all options available for carpal tunnel syndrome and get help for it as soon as possible.

References:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet – National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Medline Plus

Getting DAV benefits

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit organization that seeks to help disabled veterans of America. A National Service Program is held in 88 offices around America and in Puerto Rico to reach out to the disabled vet. Claims are made to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and other important government agencies. These vets benefits services such as information, seminars and counseling is provided absolutely free as part of veterans services.

Areas Of DAV Benefits

Disabled veterans benefits can be sought for home loan guarantee, vocational rehabilitation and sustainable employment, proper compensation, education, job training, life insurance, death benefits, health care and other matters that concern the disabled vet and are deemed worthy enough to be compensated.

Applying For DAV Benefits

Application for disabled veterans benefits can be made online. VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) (2) is an official website that is maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. There are different forms based on the claims made by disabled American veterans and it is advisable to submit the form before the month’s end so that it is received before the first day of the next month and no time is lost in getting disabled veterans benefits.

Amount Of DAV Benefits

The benefits paid to disabled American veterans depend on the degree of disability and the number of dependents who are to be supported. Vets benefits are paid monthly. Incase severe injury or disease has taken place the disabled vet may get additional benefits. The Compensation Rate Tables (3) provide a more precise description of disabled veterans benefits. These vets benefits are all tax free.

Way Of Receiving Benefits By Disabled Veterans Of America

Disabled American veterans receive vets benefits either directly through their bank through an electric fund transfer to savings and loan or credit union accounts. Otherwise, a federally insured Electronic Transfer Account may be opened by a disabled vet who does not have the above mentioned account to withdraw benefits. Vets benefits may also be received by checks.

Helping A Homeless Disabled Vet

Individuals with disabilities have housing rights as well. The Disabled American Veterans organization also helps in providing housing and necessary services to homeless veterans through the DAV Homeless Veterans Initiative program. The idea is to help homeless disabled American veterans find a footing in society and be reoriented. Mental health services, education and job training and other facilities are provided as veterans services to help in this regard.

It is unfair to neglect those brave individuals who have given everything for their country and been injured or diseased in the process. Veterans services are therefore important and should be continuously regulated because, not only do disabled American veterans benefit from this, but more individuals are encouraged to protect their country when they know that they themselves and their dependants will be looked after, even if they manage to injure themselves or fall sick.

References:

1. Benefits Assistance – Disabled American Veterans
2. Veterans Online Application – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3. Compensation Rate Tables – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

If you are disabled with either a physical, intellectual or psychiatric disablement that prevents you from working then you may qualify for disability support pension,if you are working but cannot use public transport because of your disability then you may be entitled to claim mobility allowance, if you provide daily care to someone who is disabled then you may be entitled to carer allowance, more information can be found at:

Disability support pension

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/disability_support.htm

Mobility allowance

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/mobility.htm

Carer allowance

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/carer_allow_adult.htm

Canada

The Ontario disability support program is based on meeting the needs of disabled people and helping them become more independent in their day to day living. There are two ways in which they can help, providing financial assistance for those with disabilities and providing support for disabled people in the working environment. More information can found at:

http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/CFCS/en/programs/IES/OntarioDisabilitySupportProgram/default.htm

Ireland

The Irish social welfare system has several benefits that disabled people may be entitled to receive which include disability allowance, disability benefit and blind pension. More information can found at:

http://www.welfare.ie/schemes/ill/index.html

New Zealand

New Zealand offers several benefits and ways of support for disabled people in ensuring a better quality of life, some of which include mobility allowance if you need help getting around and disability allowance for people with long term disabilities and need help with every day tasks. More information can be at their website:

http://www.govt.nz/services?treeid=786

Scotland

Scotland offers several disability pensions for disabled people such as disability living allowance, attendance allowance, incapacity benefit and carer’s allowance. More information on which benefits you may be entitled to because of your disability can be found at their website:

http://www.carerscotland.org/Information/Financialhelp

United Kingdom

Useful information for the disabled regarding any benefits they may be entitled to and the rights of the disabled in different circumstances can be found at:

Financial support for the disabled

http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/fs/en Employment rights and benefits:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/Employment/fs/en

Home and housing rights and options

http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/HomeAndHousingOptions/fs/en

Health and support rights and benefits

http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/HealthAndSupport/fs/en

Education rights and allowances

http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/fs/en

Disabled people’s rights

http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/fs/en

Motoring schemes and rights

http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/fs/en

Disabled people’s rights when travelling

http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/TravelHolidaysAndBreaks/fs/en

United States

The USA has two major financial support packages which disabled people may be entitled to receive, the social security disability program which is based on social security disability insurance which means you may be entitled to help if you are insured and supplemental security income which pays benefits based on financial needs. More information can be found at:

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

Social security disability insurance

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/index.htm

Supplemental security income

http://www.ssa.gov/notices/supplemental-security-income/.

Social security benefits for the disabled vary from country to country but most countries have some kind of benefits that disabled people may be entitled to.

It is worth checking with the relevant social security benefits office in your country to make sure you don’t miss out on any of benefits you may be entitled to receiving due to your disabilities.

There are generally three main disability benefits that disabled people may be entitled to, these will have slightly different names depending on the country you live in.

Social Security Benefits

Main Disability and Sickness Benefits

Disability living allowance – This benefit is paid if you cannot look after yourself properly and need help getting around, you must be under 65.

Attendance allowance – You may be entitled to this benefit if you are over 65 and need help in looking after yourself.

Incapacity Benefit – If your disability stops you from working then you may be entitled to claim this benefit, the rates payable depend on the amount of time you are unable to work.

Benefits for Healthy Living

Direct payments – If you have been assessed and need care and support then you may be entitled to direct payments; direct payments will give you the opportunity of buying care yourself instead of receiving it from social services directly.

Equipment for Independent Living

If you need special equipment to be able to live independently then you may be able to claim towards the cost of alterations needed to adapt your home.

Health Equipment and Prescriptions

You could be entitled to help with prescription costs, dental care and items such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.

Tax relief on equipment

Some goods may qualify for tax relief if it has been designed or adapted for a disabled person.

Independent Living Fund

If you are severely disabled then you may be entitled to a grant which could enable you to live independently rather than in a care home.

Work schemes

“Access to work” is a scheme set up to provide practical support at work, it can help with paying towards special equipment needed or to help with costs towards travel if you are unable to use public transport.

Blind persons Tax

This allowance allows you to receive an income without having to pay tax on it, it is usually added to your personal tax allowance.

Disability Living allowance

This is an allowance for a child with a severe physical or mental disability; you may be entitled to claim this if the child needs a lot more looking after than other children of similar age.

Disabled Facilities Grant

This is a local council grant that may be given when help is needed adapting the home.

Television license discount

If you are registered blind then you are entitled to 50% off your television license.

The Motability scheme

This scheme can help you purchase or rent a car, powered wheelchair or scooter if you are getting the highest rate of the disabled living allowance.

Disabled students allowance

This allowance can help pay for specialist equipment and non medical personal assistance.

Industrial injuries disablement benefit

If your disability is the result of an accident at work then you may be entitled to claim this benefit.

Constant attendance allowance

If you need daily care because of a disability then you may be entitled to receiving this allowance.

War disablement pension

If you have become disabled due to serving in the armed forces then you may be able to claim this.

If you are disabled then there is a range of benefits and support that you may be entitled to. These will vary from country to country but most countries do offer some kind of financial help to people with disabilities.

Disability living allowance

If you need help getting around or need help in looking after yourself because of a disability then you might be entitled to the disability living allowance. You must claim this allowance before you reach the age of 65.

Attendance allowance

This is a tax free allowance that you may be able to claim if you need help looking after yourself and are over the age of 65.

Incapacity benefit

If you cannot work due to your disability then you may be entitled to claim incapacity benefit.

More about disability living allowance

You may be entitled to this allowance if you:

* Have a physical or mental disability or both.

* If you have difficulty in walking or your disability is severe enough that you can’t look after yourself properly.

* Your are under the age of 65.

You are entitled to claim for disability living allowance whether you can work or not and your savings or income generally will not affect your claim.

Disability living allowance is made up of two parts, a care component if you need help looking after yourself and a mobility one if you can’t get around. You may be entitled to receive just one or both of them.

More about attendance allowance

You may be entitled to receive this allowance if you:

* Have a physical, mental disability or both.

* You need help in caring for yourself due to the severity of your disability.

* Your are over the age of 65 when you claim.

Any money you have saved or any income you may receive isn’t generally affected when you claim attendance allowance. The attendance allowance is paid on two different category bases, a higher rate and a lower one which you receive will depend on the severity of your particular disability.

More about incapacity benefit

You may be entitled to claim incapacity benefit if the following apply to you:

* Your statutory sick pay has ended or you don’t get it.

* You are un-employed or self-employed.

* You are incapable of going back to work.

* You were under the state pension age when you first became sick.

You must also have been:

* Paying towards national insurance contributions.

* Unable to work because of disability for at least four days in a row.

* Getting medical treatment and are unable to work for two or more days out of the week.

Incapacity benefit is based on short term – for the first 28 weeks, short term higher for weeks 29 to 52 and high from week 53.

Filed under: Disability Benefits