| I want to tell you about how to apply for social | | | | date you think you became disabled by your |
| security disability benefits over the phone, which is | | | | condition, even if you were still working at that time. |
| the most common way to apply. I suggest that | | | | I say this because there are arguments you can |
| you apply for benefits over the phone, at least at | | | | make that basically say that you were disabled even |
| this point. Obviously there are other ways to apply; | | | | when you were working – since at that time you |
| you can do it in person or you can do it over the | | | | were not considered a productive or reliable |
| internet; however, while I think the internet way is | | | | employee. |
| going to become the most common, at this point, it's | | | | I've won cases based on this argument - I just won |
| still a little bit unreliable and I think you're better off | | | | one recently where I argued that my client was still |
| using the telephone system. Social Security probably | | | | working but his work could not be considered |
| would not be happy with me to tell you that, but | | | | substantial activity; while still on the job, he was not |
| that's really the truth and that's why I'm | | | | able to do all the requirements of the job and he |
| recommending it to my clients at this point. | | | | was receiving special considerations. In addition, his |
| To apply for benefits, you can call Social Security's | | | | pay was being docked in certain instances based on |
| toll-free 800 number. That number is | | | | his lackluster performance. Therefore, we wanted to |
| 1-800-772-1213. When you call that number, you will | | | | make sure he got reimbursed for this, so we argued |
| go through a series of voice prompts. For example, | | | | that he was disabled even while still working. So, |
| you will first be asked if you want to talk in English or | | | | when you talk to the Social Security representative, |
| Spanish. Then, you will be asked why you are calling, | | | | be sure to think about the earliest possible date that |
| etc. It can get a little frustrating, but if you are | | | | you could be found disabled and give them that date. |
| patient with it, you'll eventually get to a live person | | | | Keep in mind you may not be asked this question at |
| who will take your claim over the phone. | | | | all, but it's just good to be prepared for if they do |
| When you reach a live Social Security representative, | | | | actually ask you. |
| tell that person that you want to apply for BOTH | | | | Now, one thing I have heard is that if they find out |
| social security disability and for SSI benefits. Now, | | | | you are still working, the SSA person will sometimes |
| you may not qualify for SSI, or perhaps you don't | | | | not take your application. So, if they ask you if are |
| qualify for disability, but it's important, in my opinion, | | | | you are still working, the answer needs to be "no." |
| to tell the operator that you want to apply for both | | | | And again, even if you're doing part-time work or |
| disability and SSI in the event that you are eligible for | | | | you're doing on and off type work, I still recommend |
| both. This is just to ensure that you don't miss out | | | | that you tell Social Security that you are not working |
| on any benefits owed to you. In the end, the SSA | | | | if they ask. |
| will let you know if you are not eligible for one or the | | | | In conclusion, when you call the SSA to make a claim |
| other. | | | | for benefits over the phone, tell them you're not |
| The second thing that you may be asked is when | | | | working, give them the earliest possible onset date |
| you became disabled. For answering this question, my | | | | of your disability, and tell them you want to apply for |
| best advice is to come up with the earliest possible | | | | both SSI and Title 2 disability. |