The Social Security Administration, or SSA, provides disability benefits to individuals that suffer from a mental or physical condition that makes it difficult for the individual to engage in daily activities or maintain employment. However, to receive disability benefits, you must complete an application and have the request approved by the SSA. Applications are available on the SSA’s website, https://secure.ssa.gov/iCLM/dib. In addition, you can request an application by phone or in person at the Santa Barbara Social Security office.

You must complete the disability application and an Authorization to Disclose Information Form. The Authorization to Disclose Information Form is an essential piece of your disability application and gives the SSA permission to contact your doctor to obtain your medical records. This form is important because the SSA will need all of the information about your condition to make a decision regarding your disability eligibility. Submit the completed forms online through the SSA’s website, or in person at the Santa Barbara Social Security office.

After the SSA receives your disability application, the SSA will assign an evaluator to review your application. During the evaluation of your claim, the SSA considers whether you are engaging in substantial gainful activity and if the SSA recognizes your condition as a disability. Substantial and gainful activity, according to the SSA, means that an applicant is earning $1,010 or more per month through employment. In addition, the SSA evaluator will compare your medical condition to the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. The Listing of Impairments is an SSA created guideline for disability claim evaluators to use when reviewing disability claims. During this stage, the SSA will either approve or deny your claim for disability benefits. You will receive notification by mail of the SSA’s decision. However, you should be aware that the SSA denies the majority of initial disability benefit applications. Fortunately, you can appeal a disability benefit denial.

You can request that the SSA reconsider your application if the SSA denies your disability benefit claim. The SSA assigns a new evaluator to consider your claim during the request for reconsideration appeal. In addition, you can submit additional information for the evaluator to consider. This is especially helpful if you are aware of the reason for your initial disability claim denial. Unfortunately, the majority of disability claims remain denied following the request for reconsideration. However, following a reconsideration denial, you can request a Social Security disability hearing. During a Social Security disability hearing, disability applicants testify before a judge and answer questions about their medical condition. For example, the judge may ask you to explain how the condition interferes with your ability to complete employment duties. In addition, a Vocational Expert may testify regarding the type of employment available to you considering several factors including your education, skills, training, and your medical condition.

However, if the judge denies your disability claim after the disability hearing, you can file an appeal with the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council’s role is to evaluate whether the judge considered the appropriate information during the disability hearing. If the Appeals Council finds errors in the judge’s decision, the Appeals Council may recommend a reevaluation of your disability claim.

Applying for disability benefits is a lengthy process that can be confusing to many applicants. If you have any additional questions about how to file for disability benefits in Santa Barbara or the disability appeal process, contact the SSA’s office in Santa Barbara or visit the SSA’s website http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm