Applying for and obtaining Social Security Disability benefits is not as easy as filling out a few forms. There are specific rules for getting benefits. This blog describes what how long an applicant must be disabled for to obtain SSD benefits from the federal government.
The Social Security Administration has requirements regarding a minimum time period that you must be disabled. The Social Security Administration requires that you must be disabled for at least 12 months. However, this does not mean you must wait a full year before applying. It simply must be foreseeable that you will be disabled for at least 12 months.
These are often complicated cases for Social Security, as certain severe impairments may often heal within a one-year time period. For example, an individual that has a broken bone, is pregnant, or has been diagnosed with a early stage of cancer are cases in which the Social Security Administration may not reasonably foresee your impairments to last for at least 12 months. If it is not foreseeable that you will be disabled for at least 12 months, you will likely not be considered disabled.
To determine whether a person is expected to be disabled for at least 12 months, the Social Security Administration will review your hospital records, doctor’s notes, testing results and even send the applicant for a separate examination by a physician. The federal government then takes this information and determines based on the doctor’s opinions whether or not the applicant is disabled.
In very special cases, an individual does not need to be disabled for at least 12 months. If an individual has impairments that can be expected to result in death, the individual may often receive benefits immediately. Generally, this is a very high standard. An individual must have convincing medical documentation of the imminent terminal nature of their condition.
To discuss your particular case, please contact the Michigan Social Security Lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. Call Lee Free at 1-800-533-3733 for a free consultation.
