It is very difficult to prove or disprove the extent of pain that a person is in and that is the reason that without hard evidence it can be near impossible to prove. The applicative word here in that statement is the words are near impossible and not impossible.

Proving Pain for Disability

This is where a patient having a long relationship with a family doctor can prove immensely indispensable in proving the actual pain severity and the onset timeline. That is because a physician who has regularly treated the patient has likely seen that patient go from a state of good health and watched them decline into the present condition.

Various tests to determine nerve root compression and ascertain that the pain is having a pronounced physiological response will assist in proving that the ailment is impairing the level of function and possible warrants consideration for disability. Many applicants are discouraged by the process but it has to be remembered that the Social Security Department protects the interests of all citizens by filtering out the fraudulent applicants from those that genuinely need benefits. Sometimes, cases that are genuine do get rejected but an appeal or two in a genuine case will often result in the desired results.

Degenerative Disc and Injury Back Pain

Degenerative disc diseases are the main type of back pain conditions where a disability may be considered. Not only is there visual proof of disc damage, through X-rays or an MRI, but the degree of nerve impingement can be assessed. This is in stark contrast to chronic back pain problems associated with muscle and ligament damage of gradual onset. However, disc degeneration is still difficult to prove when compared to back pain associated with injuries which is of a sudden onset.

One of the factors that the Social Security Disability Department will consider when reviewing a case that is due to Degenerating Discs is the age of the person whom is filing for Disability. In other words how much useful and productive working time would this individual have if they were not disabled.

Disability or Treatment?

Once this has been determined the Social Security people will make a determination as to whether it is most cost effective to have surgery to repair the issue, such as a fusion, or if there are other options that might return this person to an active and productive member of society.

The cost of that fact is weighed against the cost of putting them on either complete or partial disability. The decision is more often than not based on strict guidelines that are simply black and white. The patient will often be denied on the first attempt and may need to file an appeal if they believe that the decision was not correct. That means more time and tests in order to get back to the appeal process.

Upon being determined blind or legally blind, the process is quite different than that of other disability applications. As mentioned previously, the claims approval rate is nearly 100%. The turnaround to decision and starting benefits is approximately 4 months as compared to other types of disability claims where the average decision/benefit time is 18-24 months. Along with monetary benefits comes medical benefit approval via Medicare at 2 years from the date of approval of benefits. The date of benefits is retroactive to the date of application with medical bill coverage extending back beyond that date for 3-6 months for applicable medical bills.

The amount of monetary benefit is determined by rate of FICA tax deducted from one’s employment income. The average monthly benefit amount generally falls in the area of $700 to $900. For those applicants deemed not qualified due to lack of sufficient pay into social security, be it through lack of work history in the specified time period or in the case of a child, there is another avenue available – SSI. SSI, or more correctly, Supplemental Security Income, is determined by the Social Security Administration, but it is managed at the individual state level.

While blindness can be viewed as a fast track to obtaining one’s due benefits, the chance of claim denial does exist. However small, it is there. As with any dealings with the Social Security Administration concerning disability benefits, the hiring of an attorney specializing in disability claims should be considered. Attorneys familiar with the claims process can assure that you have the proper forms completed and that medical paperwork supporting your claim is adequate and sufficient enough in volume to overwhelmingly support your claim. When viewed on the basis of strength of case, the use of an attorney is not necessarily needed in a blind person’s application process.

The chances of returning to gainful employment are far more woeful than those involved with benefit approval/denial. Less than 0.075% of the blind in the world are employed in a gainful capacity. The nature of the compensation received by an attorney is a  25% or a cap at $5000 deducted from the lump sum of back benefits accumulated during the  application process.

If you are blind, a sighted person, family or friend, doing the paperwork is adequate in most cases. This highlights another self-defeating issue when dealing with the Social Security Administration. While mandated by federal law to provide accessible material for the blind, they do not offer this for the application process. They will offer to read everything and to assist in the writing needed. Being blind, it is very difficult to trust someone you cannot see and do not know. This is where the family member or good friend comes in. Even should you hire an attorney, someone sighted whom you trust is very much the number one requirement in undertaking this whole process.

Process to Apply for Disability

The first step that needs to be undertaken is to apply for Social Security Disability, Medicare and/or Medicaid. This can be done via hard copy or on the online. The reason to start on this as soon as possible is that this in its self can take from two to three years.

The claimant will likely be called into a local Social Security Office after filing the initial paperwork. Here the SSA will verify what you have claimed and ensure that all the information needed to actually start the claims process is available.

It is not uncommon to be refused benefits on the first attempt. This can be quite disconcerting to an applicant but it is not a lost battle and there is no need to quit just yet. A person that is denied may file for an appeal. This will mean a hearing with a judge or judges advocate and the applicant will ave a chance to present their case.

It is of utmost importance to keep meticulous record of each and every document and step. Copies of all medical reports are necessary and this should not be the original or only copy that you have in your possession.

Lawyer/Attorney for Disability

Most people opt for hiring an attorney because the stress of dealing with the system is overwhelming and many applicants stop trying after a while. A legal representative will ensue that every step is undertaken in a timely manner because they will only get paid if the case is settled in your favor.

The legal representative is allowed by law to receive no more than 25 percent of the award. A judge may be able to lower that amount if they feel that the attorney was not efficient in handling the case on behalf of the applicant.

Disability Medical Assessment

The claimant will likely be asked to submit to various tests by a doctor chosen by the SSA and this has to be completed as required. Medical assessments can be quite trying in that the doctor will be very thorough in the evaluation in order to identify fraudulent applicants. If there is truly a disability, the applicant should not fail this assessment.

It is also advisable during a trip to the doctor to ask about getting a handicap sticker for the vehicle of the disabled person. The doctor often only has to fill out a form which is then taken by the individual to the tag office and wither a handicap placard or a handicap plate is issued. It is quick and easy and may actually bolster your chances at getting an award because this is further proof that a medical professional thinks that the injury is serious enough to warrant special treatment.

Keep in mind during this process that if the injury or ailment is not serious there is a strong chance that  the disability benefits will not be awarded.

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)

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 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