Social Security disability benefits are available to individuals that suffer from a mental or physical condition that makes it difficult for them to engage in daily activities or maintain employment. The Social Security Administration, or SSA, provides monthly disability benefits to all eligible individuals. To apply for disability benefits, you must complete a Social Security disability application, and the SSA must approve the application. Applications are available on the Social Security Administration, or SSA, website, https://secure.ssa.gov/iCLM/dib. In addition, you can request an application by phone or in person at the Sacramento Social Security office.

Complete the disability application and an Authorization to Disclose Information Form. The Authorization to Disclose Information Form is an essential piece of your application and gives the SSA permission to contact your doctor to obtain your medical records. This form is so important because it is necessary to provide the SSA with all relevant medical information that supports your request for disability benefits. Submit the completed forms online or in person at the Sacramento Social Security office.

Shortly after receiving 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.

If the SSA denies your disability benefit claim, you can request that the SSA reconsider your disability application. During the request for reconsideration appeal, a new SSA evaluator will examine your claim and your eligibility for disability benefits. In addition, you can submit additional information for the evaluator to consider along with your original claim. This is especially helpful if you know 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 engage in activities you once enjoyed, or how your medical condition affects your employment duties. Also, 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.

In addition, if your disability claim remains denied following the 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 can be confusing. If you have any additional questions about how to file for disability benefits in Sacramento or the disability appeal process, contact the SSA’s office in Sacramento or visit the SSA’s website http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm.