SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS

Many people have heard that disabled workers are entitled to disability benefits but have questions about the process of making a claim and collecting those benefits.

Q: Who can apply for disability benefits?

A: Benefits are available to disabled workers, disabled surviving spouses of workers, and disabled adult children of workers.

Q: What benefits are available?

A: If you qualify, the benefits come as a monthly check. If you receive disability benefits for at least two years, you are also eligible for Medicare.

Q: What does it mean to be "disabled"?

A: A worker is disabled when some illness or injury leaves him or her unable to do the work he or she did before, or to adjust and do any other work. The disability must be

expected to last for at least one year or result in death. People who are partially disabled or who have short-term disabilities are not considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Q: How do I apply for benefits?

A: You can file an application on the SSA website, www.ssa.gov, by calling the SSA at 800-772-1213, or by visiting a local SSA field office. The application forms will ask for information about your disability, the names of your doctors, and about your work.

Q: What happens after I file my application?

A: It is sent to the state Disability Determination Services office, which will investigate the claim.

Q: How long does it take for my application to be processed?

A: It depends. Usually it takes three to five months but can take longer depending the nature of your disability, the speed with which your doctors respond to requests for information, and whether a special medical examination is required.

Q: Can I lose my benefits?

A: Yes, if you are no longer eligible. Cases are reviewed periodically to see if the person receiving benefits still qualifies. The amount of time that passes between reviews depends on the severity of the disability and ranges from six months to seven years.

Q: What if I disagree with a benefits determination?

A: Whether it is a denial of a claim or a decision to stop your benefits, you can appeal the decision. In most cases, you have 60 days to appeal. If you are still dissatisfied after appealing, you may appeal further and can even go to court.

PETS IN THE CAR: BUCKLE UP

Most people today know the importance of buckling up when they get in the car, but few know that the same rule should be applied to pets.

People will often drive with their pets in the car, whether to the store, the park, or a neighbor's house. However, most people don't secure their pets before setting out. Buckling in your pets is important, for a number of reasons.

First, an unrestrained pet might interfere with the driver's operation of the car, causing a crash. In the event of a crash, an unsecured animal can be turned into a projectile, causing further injury to the pet or the passengers. An unsecured pet also presents a potential threat to firemen and EMS workers in the event of a crash. For example, your dog might try to bite those trying to render aid, or he might run away and cause further confusion.

Pets can be secured in a number of ways. Small pets, especially cats, are best kept in a pet carrier. Some stores sell special seats intended for small- to medium-sized pets. Larger animals may be strapped to the seat with a special seat-belt attachment.

No matter what system you use, the rule is the same for pets as it is for humans: Buckle up!

 

CONCLUSION