Here are some of the most common questions we receive from our users. If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to assist you.

• What is Disability Benefits Match and how does it work?

• What are the types of disability benefits that SSA offers and how do I qualify for them?

• How do I get matched with a disability advocate or attorney and what can they do for me?

• How much does it cost to use Disability Benefits Match and to hire a disability advocate or attorney?

• How long does it take to get a decision on my disability claim and what are the steps involved?

• What are my rights and responsibilities as a disability applicant and beneficiary?

• How can I check the status of my disability claim and manage my benefits online?

What is The Disability Benefits and how does it work?

The Disability Benefits is a website that helps you find and apply for disability benefits from the SSA. We are not affiliated with the SSA or any government agency. We are an independent service that connects you with experienced disability advocates and attorneys who can assist you with your disability claim.

Our website and service are fast, easy, and convenient. You can:

• Learn about the different types of disability benefits that SSA offers, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and see if you may qualify for them.

• Find out what information and documents you need to apply for disability benefits, and how to prepare for your application.

• Submit a free and confidential online evaluation form, and get matched with a qualified disability advocate or attorney in your area who can review your case and advise you on the best course of action.

• Get professional assistance from your disability advocate or attorney throughout the disability application process, from filing your initial claim to appealing a denial, if necessary.

• Increase your chances of getting approved for disability benefits and receiving the maximum amount of benefits you are entitled to.

What are the types of disability benefits that SSA offers and how do I qualify for them?

The SSA offers two main types of disability benefits: SSDI and SSI.

• SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. The amount of SSDI benefits you can receive depends on your work history and earnings. SSDI benefits also include Medicare coverage after a 24-month waiting period.

• SSI is for people who have limited income and resources, and who meet the SSA's definition of disability. The amount of SSI benefits you can receive depends on your income, resources, living arrangements, and other factors. SSI benefits also include Medicaid coverage in most states.

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI, you must meet the SSA's definition of disability, which means that:

• You have a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

• You are unable to perform any substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is a level of work and earnings that the SSA considers significant. In 2024, the SGA amount is $1,310 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,190 per month for blind individuals.

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if you are disabled and eligible for benefits. The steps are:

• Are you working? If you are working and earning more than the SGA amount, you are not considered disabled. If you are not working or earning less than the SGA amount, the SSA will move to the next step.

• Is your condition severe? Your condition must interfere with your ability to do basic work-related activities, such as walking, sitting, lifting, or remembering. If your condition is not severe, you are not considered disabled. If your condition is severe, the SSA will move to the next step.

• Is your condition on the list of disabling impairments? The SSA has a list of medical conditions that are considered so severe that they automatically qualify you as disabled. If your condition is on the list, you are considered disabled. If your condition is not on the list, the SSA will move to the next step.

• Can you do the work you did before? The SSA will look at your past work and see if you can still do it despite your condition. If you can do the work you did before, you are not considered disabled. If you cannot do the work you did before, the SSA will move to the next step.

• Can you do any other type of work? The SSA will consider your age, education, skills, and physical and mental abilities, and see if there is any other type of work that you can do. If you can do other work, you are not considered disabled. If you cannot do other work, you are considered disabled.

How do I get matched with a disability advocate or attorney and what can they do for me?

To get matched with a disability advocate or attorney, you need to complete our online evaluation form. The evaluation form will ask you some basic questions about yourself, your disability, your work history, and your income and resources. The evaluation form is free and confidential, and it only takes a few minutes to complete.

After you submit the evaluation form, we will review your information and match you with a qualified disability advocate or attorney in your area who can handle your case. You will receive a confirmation email with the contact information of your disability advocate or attorney. You can also log into your account on our website and view your match details.

Your disability advocate or attorney will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your case and advise you on the best course of action. They will also answer any questions you may have and explain the disability application process and the fees involved.

Your disability advocate or attorney can assist you with your disability claim in various ways, such as:

• Gathering and submitting the necessary information and documents to support your claim, such as medical records, work history, and personal statements.

• Communicating and negotiating with the SSA on your behalf, and keeping you updated on the status of your claim.

• Preparing and representing you at any hearings or appeals, if necessary, and presenting the best evidence and arguments to prove your disability and eligibility for benefits.

• Protecting your rights and interests, and ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of benefits you are entitled to.

How much does it cost to use Disability Benefits Match and to hire a disability advocate or attorney?

It does not cost anything to use Disability Benefits Match or to get matched with a disability advocate or attorney. You can use our website and service for free and without any obligation.

If you decide to hire a disability advocate or attorney to assist you with your disability claim, you will have to pay a fee for their services. However, you will not have to pay anything upfront or out of pocket. The fee will be deducted from your back pay, which is the amount of benefits you are owed from the date of your disability onset to the date of your approval.

The fee is regulated by the SSA and is limited to 25% of your back pay, or $6,000, whichever is less. For example, if your back pay is $20,000, the fee will be $5,000. If your back pay is $40,000, the fee will be $6,000. If you do not receive any back pay or benefits, you will not have to pay any fee.

You may also have to pay some expenses related to your claim, such as the cost of obtaining medical records or reports. These expenses are usually minimal and will be reimbursed by your disability advocate or attorney if you win your claim.

How long does it take to get a decision on my disability claim and what are the steps involved?

The time it takes to get a decision on your disability claim depends on various factors, such as the nature and severity of your disability, the availability and quality of your medical evidence, and the workload and resources of the SSA and the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in your state. The DDS is a state agency that makes the disability decision on behalf of the SSA.

It may take several months or longer to receive a decision on your disability claim. The average processing time for an initial claim is about 3 to 5 months, but it may vary by state and case. You can check the status of your claim online at https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/topic/?id=CAT-01089 using your personal my Social Security account, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The disability application process involves the following:

Filing your initial claim. You can file your initial claim online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide information and documents about yourself, your disability, your work history, your income, and your resources. You can use the Disability Starter Kit to help you prepare for your application. The starter kit includes a checklist of the information and documents you will need, as well as a worksheet to help you answer some of the questions on the application.

Reviewing your claim. After you file your initial claim, the SSA will review your information and send it to the DDS office in your state. The DDS will contact you if they need more information or evidence, or if they need you to have a medical exam or test. The DDS will also contact your doctors and other sources to obtain your medical records and other information about your condition. The DDS will use the five-step process described above to determine if you are disabled and eligible for benefits. The DDS will then send their decision to the SSA, and the SSA will send you a letter in the mail with the decision.

What are my rights and responsibilities as a disability applicant and beneficiary?

As a disability applicant and beneficiary, you have certain rights and responsibilities that you should be aware of. Some of your rights and responsibilities are:

• You have the right to apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you have a disability that prevents you from working.

• You have the right to receive a fair and timely decision on your disability claim, and to appeal the decision if you disagree with it.

• You have the right to receive all the disability benefits and services that you qualify for, and to be treated with respect and dignity by the SSA and its staff.

• You have the right to get information and assistance from the SSA and its partners, such as Disability Benefits Match, a website that connects you with experienced disability advocates and attorneys who can help you with your disability claim.

• You have the right to privacy and security of your personal and financial information, and to access and correct your information if needed.

• You have the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information and documents to the SSA and its partners, and to cooperate with them in the disability application process.

• You have the responsibility to report any changes in your situation, such as your income, resources, living arrangements, medical condition, or work activity, to the SSA, as they may affect your eligibility or benefit amount.

• You have the responsibility to undergo periodic reviews of your disability to make sure you still meet the SSA's definition of disability and continue to qualify for benefits.

• You have the responsibility to follow the rules and regulations of the disability programs, and to use your benefits for your basic needs and medical expenses.

For more information about your rights and responsibilities as a disability applicant and beneficiary, you can visit the SSA's website at https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10153.pdf, or call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. You can also read the following publications that provide more details about the disability programs and the application process:

• Disability Benefits https://www.ada.gov/resources/disability-rights-guide/

• Benefits For Children With Disabilities https://www.in.gov/fssa/thehub/files/RREnglish.pdf

• Disability Evaluation Under Social Security https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/apply-for-assistance/rights-responsibilities

• What You Need To Know When You Get Disability Benefits https://info.umkc.edu/title9/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EFMP-Factsheet-EmployeeEmployerRights.pdf

How can I check the status of my disability claim and manage my benefits online?

You can check the status of your disability claim and manage your benefits online by creating or logging into your personal my Social Security account. A my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to:

• Request a replacement Social Security card

• Check the status of your application or appeal

• Get personalized retirement benefit estimates

• Get estimates for spouse’s benefits

• Get proof that you do not receive benefits

• Get your Social Security Statement

• Set up or change direct deposit

• Get a Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) form

• Opt out of mailed notices for those available online

• Print a benefit verification letter

• Change your address

You can create or sign in to your account at ssa.govhttps://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. You will need to provide some personal information, such as your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address, to create your account. You will also need to create a username and password, and verify your identity by answering some security questions.

If you have any questions or problems with your account, you can contact the SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by visiting your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office by using the Social Security Office Locator https://www.ssa.gov/apply/check-application-or-appeal-status.

For more information about my Social Security account, you can visit the my Social Security https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ page,