OVERVIEW: Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. They pay disability benefits to people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability. While some programs give money to people with partial disability or short-term disability, they do not.  

WHAT TO EXPECTS 

Social Security payments for disability are very difficult to get approved for. About 70% of Iowan applicants are denied on their initial application. The ideal route is to hire a Social Security Disability attorney who can help improve the likelihood of getting approved. Most applicants have to appeal the denied application and attend a court hearing. Luckily ⅔ applicants get approved for benefits after the court hearing. Usually, physical disabilities are approved more easily than mental health disabilities. Applicants over the age of 50 years old are more likely to be approved. 

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of the doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that took care of you, and dates of your visits.

• Names and dosages of all the medicine you take.

• Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers that you already have in your possession.

• Laboratory and test results.

• A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did.

• A copy of your most recent W-2 Form (Wage and Tax Statement) or, if you’re self-employed, your federal tax returns for the past year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Iowa Disability Information Link: https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/state-social-security-disability/iowa

SSI Disability Packet:https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf