Q: When should you submit your application for disability insurance?
A: You should submit an application for disability benefits as soon as you become injured. If you are approved, you are not eligible to receive benefits until after a 5 month waiting period from the established date of onset of your condition. The onset date is the first day you were unable to work due to your condition. The evaluation time for the average initial claim, however, is 3 or 4 months. If you delay submitting your application, you add more time to how long you have to wait to receive your benefits even though you may be eligible. You will be able to receive retroactive benefits, even if you wait to apply. The eligibility waiting period will not be included in those retroactive benefits payments. But the longer you wait to apply, the longer you wait for your first check. If you are confused about when or how to apply for disability insurance, it may be beneficial to speak with a social security attorney.
Q: Can you receive Medicaid and social security disability?
A: If a claimant receives approval for SSDI (disability insurance), he can apply for Medicare. An individual cannot receive Medicare benefits until two years after the date of onset of the condition plus five months (the waiting period mentioned in the previous question). Those who collect SSI can apply for Medicaid. The distinction can get a bit confusing for those who may collect both SSI and SSDI for a certain period of time. Those claimants should contact their social security representative to find out more information about applying for Medicare or Medicaid. A social security attorney can be helpful, if you are having any difficulty understanding why you are eligible for certain benefits and not others or do not know how to apply for benefits.
Q: Do you need a social security attorney if you plan to appeal your claim?
A: It is not required that you have a social security attorney for any portion of the application process for disability benefits. If your initial application is denied and you plan to appeal for reconsideration, however, you may wish to hire a lawyer. A fair number of claims that are filed for reconsideration are not approved and must be appealed to go before a hearing. Statistically, the majority of claims that receive approval during a hearing process have a social security attorney representing them. It is extremely beneficial to have an advocate like a social security attorney on your side, as the hearing is your last chance to present your case.

About the Author

Find more info about veterans lawyer, visit www.HillAndPonton.com.