Information on Filing for Disability

Individuals who suffer from a debilitating or disabling condition often are reluctant to file for disability. They dread the complexities involved in dealing with a government agency. However, filing for disability with the Social Security Administration is a straightforward process.

Administration

• In the United States, the Social Security Administration administers disability insurance benefits. Benefits are available for disabled adults and children of limited means. If you are approved for benefits, your adult child may be eligible for benefits if the child has a disability started before she was 22 years of age.

Filing

• Apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled. You can complete the application and disability report online on the Social Security Administration website or make an appointment to apply over the phone. The Social Security Administration typically takes three to five months to process your application.

Eligibility

• Disability benefits through the Social Security Administration pay individuals who are totally disabled. No benefits are paid for partial or short-term disabilities, or illnesses. You are disabled under Social Security rules if you cannot do the job you used to do; you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition; and your disability is expected to last at least one year, or your condition will result in your death.

Private Insurance

• If you have private disability insurance available through your employer, contact your human resources or benefits department to learn how to file for disability with your employer's insurer.