Social Security Disability Payments:
How To Apply For Quick Results

In a sense, Social Security Disability payments are the bottom line. Nothing else really matters to you if you're applying for disability help. You need that disability income and you need it as soon as possible.

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.

The programs are different in many ways, but both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

The Two SSD Programs

When you're applying for Social Security Disability, you have two SSD programs to consider. Each program has its own Social Security Disability criteria. Be sure you know them.

1. Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
2. Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

When you apply for either program, the SSA will collect medical and other information from you and make a decision about whether or not you meet Social Security's definition of disability.

Use the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to find out which programs may be able to pay you benefits.

Social Security Disability Decisions

If your application has recently been denied, the Internet Appeal is a starting point to request a review of the decision about your eligibility for disability benefits. If your application is denied for:

• medical reasons, you can complete and submit the required Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report online. The disability report asks you for updated information about your medical condition and any treatment, tests or doctor visits since the SSA made its decision.
• non-medical reasons, you should contact your local Social Security Office to request the review. You also may call the SSA toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to request an appeal. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

So do you meet that SSD requirement mentioned in the documentation? What about other stipulations? If you do, it's a near certainty you'll get your Social Security Disability payments. It's that straightforward.

Any questions? Check out our Social Security Disability FAQ.

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