With each paycheck you earn, a small amount is deducted toensure that you’ll be able to receive payments should you everbecome disabled and unable to work. By paying Social SecurityDisability Insurance (SSDI) throughout your working life, youentitle yourself to payments from the Social SecurityAdministration if you ever become incapacitated.

While the process of this money being deducted from yourpaycheck is simple, collecting your payment when you need it can beanything but. Applying for SSDI requires a large amount ofpaperwork and filling out your application incorrectly can resultin denial, even if you would otherwise be entitled to benefits.

If you think you might be in a position to apply for SocialSecurity Disability Benefits, but aren’t sure where to start, hereare some answers to some frequently asked questions to help you onyour way.

Who qualifies for SSDI?

In most cases, you must be younger than 65 and those who qualifymust have worked five out of the last 10 years. Applicants musthave medical evidence to prove their disabilities exist and thedisability must last at least 12 months or be expected to result indeath. The Social Security Administration offers a list of conditions and criteria that may qualify a person forSSDI payments.

How do you apply for benefits?

The application for SSDI benefits can be found on the SocialSecurity Administration’s website. Once you apply, the SSA willreview your case and decide whether you are entitled to benefits.If your case is denied, you can appeal.

Is there anyone that can help you apply?

If you are having a hard time completing your application, youmay wish to consult with a Social Security Disability advocate.When you work with an advocate, someone experienced with disabilitycases will help you fill out your application and work with thecourts to see to it that you receive the benefit you deserve. Whenselecting a benefits advocate, look for a service that does notcharge a fee unless you win your case, such as Myler Disability.You’ll also want to pay attention to what type of payment anadvocate will expect when you win your case.

How long do applications usually take?

Myler Disability estimates that each case usually takes aboutsix months from the time you apply to the initial acceptance ordenial. However, this can vary by case and by the state in whichyou are applying.

How much money will you receive?

That number varies widely and depends on what’s included on yourclaim, as well as the number of dependents you claim and yourincome.

For more on Social Security Disability benefits and how anadvocate can help you with your case, visit ssdisabilityapplication.com.