SSDI benefits are very useful programs that aim to help people who meet the necessary requirements Social Security establishes for disability. It is very important to understand what SSA requires from you in order to understand the process clearly. Starting it without having any idea is not advisable. Looking for all the original documents to prove your disability would come in really handy. So let us disclose the main things you need to know about it.
According to Social Security, you can apply for SSDI as many times as you need to. Therefore, there is no limit to the number of applications. However, there are two possibilities once your application is not successful. On the one hand, you can appeal a decision. It is your right to do it if you think you meet the requirements and they probably made a mistake. Remember that SSA could make a mistake.
There is a deadline to appeal though. You will need to do it within 60 days after getting the notice. What is more, there are four different levels to complain if you are not happy with their answer. In the first place, you can ask for a reconsideration. Then, an administrative law judge would be in charge of the second appeal. After that, it will be the Appeals council. Finally, the Federal Court Review will make the final decision regarding your SSDI appeal.
Can I start a new application if SSA refuses to accept my first application to get SSDI benefits?
It is always advisable to appeal rather than start a new application process to get SSDI benefits. However, you could do it, especially if you are claiming benefits for a completely different medical condition. Once you have applied you can check its status online. There you can have an idea of when the decision is due. It may vary a lot depending on the things and documents they need to review or even check.
Another thing you should also know is the protective filing date. It is the date when you filed your SSDI application. In this way, if your application is successful you can get the money starting from that date. It could be up to 12 months for SSDI benefits, so it is worth appealing because if it goes right you will get back pay. Starting a new application would be a waste of time and money.
This could be a long process and a difficult one too. Not having money and not being able to work either is not easy at all. Do not lose hope because SSA usually turns down most SSDI applications in the first place. Not even forty percent of those SSDI applications are accepted in the first step. So, keep appealing and make sure you provide SSA with the original and correct documents to avoid delays.