Social security disability benefits play a vital role in safeguarding the financial welfare, health, and lives of people living with disabilities. Disability benefit is an aspect that specifically provides financial support to physically and mentally challenged individuals and their families.
While many genuine people need this financial aid, applicants must meet specific conditions to qualify for disability benefits. In this article, we’ll help you understand disability benefits, the eligibility requirements, and how to apply for these benefits in Oklahoma.
Social Disability Benefits Regulation
The Social Security Administration—SSA, determines the eligibility for disability benefits in the U.S. The requirements or the minimum threshold to qualify for disability benefits are subject to federal regulations.
Disability benefits are exclusively paid to insured individuals who contribute to the Social Security trust fund or their dependents. Also, disabled children aged below 18 years with limited sources of income are eligible for these benefits.
An Overview of Social Security Disability Benefits
Disability benefits are typically paid under two programs—Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. The former pays disability benefits to disabled individuals who remit federal insurance contributions (FICA) through the Social Security Trust Fund.
Supplemental Security Income pays disability benefits to the physically disabled – including children under 18 years, the blind, and the elderly with low income and limited resources.
The medical prerequisites to determine eligibility for disability benefits under both programs are similar. Under SSI, eligibility for disability payments is primarily based on the applicant’s inability to work.
According to the Social Security Administration, disability is defined as being unable to engage in gainful activities because of medically verifiable physical or mental impairments. The impairments must be expected to result in death or last at least 12 months.
Eligibility for Disability Benefits
A Social Security staff reviews the application documents to determine the benefits you qualify for. They typically consider work history, age, income, and the applicant’s resources.
Oklahoma Disability Benefits Applications
In Oklahoma, disability benefits applications are under the mandate of the Disability Determination Services—DDS. Their decisions are based on Social Security Rules and Regulations.
The DDS personnel involved in the review process consist of a psychologist and a disability examiner. They will evaluate the facts of your case using your medical records to determine the applicant’s disability status. The review team forwards the findings or decision to the Social Security Administration. Finally, the SSA sends a notification to the applicant indicating approval or rejection.
If approved, the notice shows the amount you qualify for and when you should be paid. When going for a disability benefits review, you should carry the following documents:
- Original birth certificate or any proof of birth
- Documents to prove U.S citizenship
- Documents to prove legal alien status for people not born in the U.S.
- Military discharge documents—for people who served before 1968
- W-2 forms or tax returns for the previous year
- Medical records to prove your claim
- Documents to prove workers’ compensation benefits received
For more details about disability benefits, book a free consultation with the Social Security Law Center.
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