According to CDC, at least one in four adults across Idaho has some form of disability that affects their ability to work and earn. These figures are almost identical to the national average.
A significant number of people with disabilities in Idaho struggle with severe mobility issues, cognitive issues, and independent living. Other forms of disabilities include hearing, vision, and self-care issues.
In fact, some of them even have difficulties completing basic tasks required to take care of themselves, such as dressing and bathing. Therefore, if you live in Idaho and are disabled, you may qualify for Social Security Administration’s Disability benefits.
The program is designed to help disabled Idaho residents cover the cost of basic necessities and help make ends meet. However, the application process can be complex and time-consuming.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Social Security local to Idaho.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in Idaho?
Although Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal government program, each state has its own agency that manages applications. Idaho has the Disability Determination Services (DDS), which is fully responsible for disability adjudication for Social Security Administration (SSA).
You need to remember that SSDI is only available to individuals with a total disability. In other words, your disability should be severe enough to prevent you from working and earning a living.
Additionally, you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes to qualify for the program. The amount of time you need to have worked depends on your age. For instance, if you are younger than 24 years old, you need to have worked for one and a half years out of the last three.
If you are between 24 and 31 years old, you must have worked for at least half of the time since you turned 21. The general rule is that you must have worked five out of the last ten years before your disability began.
It is also important to note that you can only receive SSD benefits if your disability is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
What Are the Types of Disabilities That Qualify for Social Security in Idaho?
The SSA has a strict definition of disability. To be eligible for benefits, your condition must meet all of the following requirements:
- It must prevent you from doing work that you did before
- It must prevent you from adjusting to other work because of your medical condition(s)
- Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last for at least one year or result in death
The SSA will consider both your physical and mental conditions when determining whether you qualify for benefits. Some of the most common disabling conditions that qualify for SSD benefits include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain or arthritis
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. There are many other conditions that can qualify you for SSD benefits.
How to Apply for SSDI in Idaho
If you are totally disabled and want to apply for SSDI, you can do so in three different ways: online, in person, or by phone.
The best way to apply is online through the SSA website. The process is simple and straightforward, and you can complete it in less than an hour.
However, if you are not comfortable applying online, you can visit your local Social Security office or call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment.
Before the application process, gathering all relevant information and documentation to support your claim is critical. This includes comprehensive information on your medical condition, work history, and personal information.
Once you apply for SSDI benefits in Idaho, your application to the Disability Determination Services office for review to determine whether you qualify for benefits.
The entire adjudication process can take several months. Once a decision is made, you will be notified by mail. If your application is approved, you will start receiving SSD benefits within a few weeks. However, you have the right to appeal if it is denied.
What Happens After I Apply for SSD in Idaho?
After you apply for SSD, your application will be sent to the Idaho Disability Determination Services office. This office is responsible for making disability determinations for the state of Maine.
A trained disability examiner will review your forms and write to your medical sources for evidence. These medical sources will not make a determination on whether you are disabled or not.
Generally, the trained disability examiner gets enough information to make a determination on disability.
However, if not, then a special exam will be arranged and paid for by the DDS. Once the DDS has made a determination, SSA will send you a letter informing you of the decision
How Do I Contact the Social Security Office Near Me?
Idaho has several Social Security offices located throughout the state. You can find the contact information for your nearest office by visiting the SSA website and entering your zip code.
Alternatively, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to speak to a customer service representative. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
Appealing a Denied SSD Claim in Idaho
If your application for disability benefits is denied, you have a constitutional right to file an appeal. The appeals process in Idaho consists of four levels:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing by an administrative law judge
- Review by the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council
- Federal court review
You must file your appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial letter. The first level of appeal is reconsideration, which is a complete review of your claim by someone who did not participate in the initial decision.
You can request a hearing before an administrative law judge if you are still denied benefits. This is the second level of appeal. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present new evidence and testimony to support your case.
The third level of appeal is a review by the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review your case to determine whether the administrative law judge’s decision was correct. You can file a civil suit in federal court if the Appeals Council denies your appeal.
Idaho SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
Idaho is part of SSA’s Region VIII, which includes Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
As of December 2021, the average wait time for an SSD hearing in Region VIII was 353 days. The average approval rate at the hearing level was 54%. It means that more than half of all claimants who go to a hearing are approved for benefits.
How Can an Idaho Social Security Attorney Help You?
If you are disabled and want to apply for SSD benefits, it is in your best interest to seek the help of an experienced Idaho SSD attorney.
An attorney can help you navigate the complex application and appeals process, gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, and represent you at hearings.
An attorney can also help you understand your chances of success and whether you qualify for benefits. The best way to find out is to schedule a free consultation with an SSD attorney in Idaho today.
What Questions Should I Ask About Social Security in Idaho?
Before you start applying for SSD benefits or appeal a denied claim, you should know a few things about the process. Here are some questions you may want to ask:
- How do I qualify for SSD benefits in Idaho?
- What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
- How do I apply for SSD benefits?
- How long does it take to get a decision on my SSD application?
- What if my SSD application is denied?
- How can I appeal a denial of SSD benefits?
- How likely am I to be approved for benefits at a hearing?
- Should I hire an attorney to help me with my SSD claim?
You can find the answers to these questions and more by speaking to an experienced Idaho SSD attorney. An attorney can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and options.
Get Legal Help with Your SSD Claim in Idaho
At Legal Giant, we have a team of experienced SSD attorneys who are ready to help you with your claim. We have helped thousands of claimants get the benefits they deserve, and we can help you too.
To get started, schedule a free consultation with an SSD attorney in Idaho today. During the consultation, we will review your case and answer any questions you have. We will also explain your options and help you decide if filing a claim is right for you.
There is no obligation to file a claim; we only get paid if you win your case. So, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the SSD benefits you need and deserve.
