Disability Benefits Help provides information about disability benefits and the application process. Resources for Social Security disability benefits are meant for those who have a severe disability or serious ailment that will force that person to be out of work for at least 12 months. Social Security disability benefits are also for adults and children with a severe disability or serious ailment who have very limited income and resources.
If you are experiencing homelessness, please see below to learn more about applying for Social Security disability benefits:
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits If You Are Homeless
If you are disabled because of a medical condition, you have no way to earn a living. You may be able to get approved for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) If you are homeless, those monthly benefits can make a significant difference in your situation. You can use your monthly benefits to help you acquire housing. The SSA oversees two disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is based on your work history and credits earned while SSI is a needs-based program that does not consider your work history.
Medically Qualifying for Disability Benefits
To qualify for disability, you must have a disabling condition that has lasted or that will last a minimum of 12 months or be expected to result in death. You will need to provide supporting medical records and other documentation. A medical guide, called the Blue Book, is used to determine claimant eligibility and to see if specific criteria are met. If your condition is disabling, but you cannot meet the specific criteria of a listing, you can qualify using a medical vocational allowance, which takes your age, educational background, work history, transferrable skills, and medical conditions all into consideration.
The Differences Between SSDI and SSI
To qualify for SSDI, you must have paid in enough taxes into the Social Security system to be covered. In general, this means you must have worked the equivalent of 5 years full-time out of the last 10 years to have adequate work credits to qualify for SSDI. On the other hand, SSI is needs-based, and you must have limited income and meet strict financial criteria. You will need to provide proof of income and proof of assets to qualify for SSI benefits.
Challenges Faced by Homeless Claimants
If you are disabled and homeless, your claim will face special challenges. When a disability claim is filed, you must provide a permanent mailing address where you can quickly and consistently receive mail from the SSA regarding your claim. Homeless shelters, churches, relatives, friends, and social services offices may be able to help you with this.
Your claim approval hinges on having enough medical evidence to support your claim and prove your disability. For many homeless individuals, financial challenges prevent seeking proper medical care. Try to build a medical history from going to free clinics and facilities that offer care on a sliding scale. To receive disability benefits, you must have a bank account where you can receive direct deposit or sign up for a Direct Express debit card through the SSA.
Applying for Disability Benefits
You can start the claims process online. You can visit a public library or work with a social services agency to access a computer and start the process. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. You can also call the toll-free number to schedule a walk-in appointment at the nearest of the SSA field office.
Resources Found Via:
- https://www.ssa.gov/
- https://www.ssa.gov/disability/
- https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
- https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
- https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/glossary/social-security-disability-medical-sources
- https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
- https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/social-security-disability-locations/california
To learn more, please visit http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/ or email help@ssd-help.org