Apply for Benefits as Early as Possible
I recently received a call from a union member requesting information about how to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. The member had already been off work for nearly a year as a result of an injury. I asked the member why he had not applied sooner and the member stated that he thought he had to be off work for at least a year before applying. Unfortunately, this member was mistaken.
I'm Cincinnati Social Security Disability lawyer David Kapor. I recommend applying for disability as soon as possible following the first day you are off work as a result of an injury or other medical condition.
Why you should apply early: A timeline of your SSD application.
How to Apply for SSD
There are three ways to apply for Social Security Disability benefits:
- Apply online at ssa.gov
- Apply by telephone by calling 1-800-772-1213
- Apply in person at your local Social Security District Office
You do not need a lawyer to apply for SSD benefits. However, I recommend you get a lawyer's advice as soon as possible — it costs you nothing to discuss your case with me in an initial consultation.
If You Have Short and Long-Term Disability Benefits
Many disabled workers receive short-term and long-term disability benefits from their union, their pension fund, their employer or through a private insurance policy. You can still apply for, and receive, Social Security Disability benefits even though you are receiving disability benefits from other sources. In fact, the best time to apply is when you are receiving disability benefits from a private policy or other source. Doing so provides you with some income to carry you through the application process.
Many long-term disability plans require that you apply for Social Security Disability at the same time you apply for disability benefits through their plan. Most long-term disability policies also require reimbursement of a portion of their back payments to you if you are eventually granted Social Security Disability Benefits. However, private policies generally credit you for any attorney fees paid in connection with your Social Security Disability claim.
Free Attorney Consultation: If you have questions about how to apply for SSD, I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. I have offices in Cincinnati, Fairfield, College Hill, Blue Ash and Tri-County.
