Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in Danville?
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you need to show that your health problem will stop you from working a substantial amount at any job for 12 months or longer.
These benefits are not for people who have a moderate health issue that requires them to take a few months off work.
It is also important to understand the two different disability programs run by Social Security.
There is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Here is a comparison of the two programs:
| Qualification | Needed for SSDI? | Needed for SSI? |
| You have a serious health problem that stops you from working for 12 months or longer. | YES | YES |
| You have a history of working and paying into Social Security. | YES, you need to have earned enough “work credits” by paying into Social Security. | NO, SSI is a need-based program. You can qualify even if you never worked a significant amount. |
| You have limited financial resources to fall back on. | NO, you do not need to show limited assets. You can have access to investments and other assets and still qualify for SSDI. | YES, you need to meet strict financial limitations to receive SSI. Current asset limits are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples outside of a primary residence and one car. |
| Do benefits come with medical coverage? | YES, if you qualify for SSDI you can enroll in Medicare after a waiting period. | YES, you can enroll in Medicaid with no waiting period once you have been approved for SSI. |
If you have any questions about which disability benefits you may qualify for in Danville, we want to help.
Our Danville Social Security Disability advocates can answer questions about SSDI, SSI and the best options for you.
Get started with a FREE disability claim evaluation.
What Do I Need to Apply for Disability in Danville?
Applying for disability benefits is not as simple as telling the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you cannot work because of your health.
A claims examiner will want to see objective evidence—independent confirmation—of a work-stopping medical condition, including medical records and statements from anyone who has witnessed your health struggles firsthand.
Items that help include:
- A diagnosis report from your doctor
- Results of lab tests, like blood tests
- Results of medical imaging tests, like MRIs and X-rays
- Any other tests for your condition, such as biopsies, exercise tests, breathing tests and more
- A list of your prescription medications
- Information about your treatments
- Reports from psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals
- Records of medical procedures, hospitalizations and visits to the emergency room
You also need evidence that can verify your work history for SSDI or financial records that show you meet the financial requirements for the SSI program.
Once you have all the documentation together, you can apply for disability benefits online, over the phone or at your local Social Security office.
Our Danville disability advocates can guide you through the entire process.
I Was Denied Disability Benefits. What Next?
We know how frustrating it is to wait months to hear back about your claim only to get a rejection letter, but do not give up if you get denied disability benefits.
Only about 35% of initial disability claims have been getting approved in Indiana according to recent statistics from the SSA for the state. Trying to win benefits on appeal is practically a routine part of this process.
Here is what you need to do when you have been denied benefits:
Step #1: Review your denial letter.
Your letter should offer a reason why your disability claim was denied.
A claims examiner could think your health problem is not serious enough to warrant receiving disability benefits. Maybe you lacked enough medical evidence, or you failed to respond to SSA requests for more information.
Whatever the reason, knowing why you got denied can help when you start your disability appeal with help from our Danville disability advocates.
Step #2: Update your claim with new and updated evidence.
Now is also a good time to see if you have more evidence or updated medical records to add to your claim.
New test results, information about recent treatment options you have tried and any other updates since you first applied for disability benefits in Danville could help you make your claim more convincing.
Step #3: Talk to an Indiana disability advocate.
Even if you think you understand everything you need for a successful appeal, we do not recommend going through this process on your own.
Disability appeals are complicated, and they take a long time. You want to give yourself the best chance of winning benefits at each stage.
A Danville disability advocate can help you request reconsideration, represent you at your hearing and cross-examine expert witnesses from Social Security.
Whether you worked with someone else or applied on your own, we are here to help if you have been denied benefits.
