Social Security disability benefits are available if you have a physical or mental condition that makes it difficult for you to maintain employment. To apply for disability benefits, you must complete a Social Security disability application. Applications are available on the Social Security Administration, or SSA, website https://secure.ssa.gov/iCLM/dib. In addition, you can request an application by phone or in person at your local Las Vegas Social Security office.

Complete the disability application and an Authorization to Disclose Information Form. The Authorization to Disclose Information Form is very important and allows the SSA to contact your doctor to obtain your medical records. It is necessary to provide the SSA with all relevant medical information that supports your request for disability benefits. Submit the completed forms online or through the Las Vegas Social Security office.

After the SSA receives your claim, the SSA will assign a claim evaluator to your case who will evaluate your disability benefit claim. During the evaluation, the SSA considers whether you engage in substantial gainful activity and if the SSA recognizes your condition as a disability. Substantial and gainful activity, according to the SSA, means that an applicant is earning $1,010 or more per month through employment as of 2012. In addition, during the evaluation of your claim the SSA evaluator will compare your medical condition to the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. The Listing of Impairments is an SSA created guideline for disability claim evaluators to use when comparing your condition to the SSA approved medical conditions for disability benefits. The SSA will either approve or deny your claim for disability benefits and will notify you by mail of the SSA’s decision. However, you should be aware that the SSA denies the majority of initial disability benefit applications. Fortunately, you can appeal a disability benefit denial.

The first step in the disability benefit appeal process is to request reconsideration of your disability application. During the request for reconsideration appeal, a new SSA evaluator will examine your claim to determine whether you are eligible to receive disability benefits. You are able to submit additional information for the evaluator to consider along with your claim. Unfortunately, the majority of disability claims remain denied following the request for reconsideration. However, following a reconsideration denial, you can request a Social Security disability hearing and appear before an Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ. During the disability hearing, you will testify before the ALJ and answer questions about your medical condition. For example, the ALJ may ask you to explain how the condition interferes with your ability to maintain employment. In addition, the ALJ may ask a Vocational Expert to testify regarding the type of employment available to you considering several factors including your education, skills, training, and your medical condition.

If your disability claim remains denied following the hearing, you can file an appeal with the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council’s role is to evaluate whether the ALJ considered the appropriate information during the disability hearing. The Appeals Council will not consider whether the ALJ made the correct decision based upon the facts. If the Appeals Council reverses the ALJ’s decision, the Appeals Council may recommend a reevaluation of your disability claim by the ALJ with additional instructions.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about how to file for disability benefits in Las Vegas or the disability appeal process, contact the SSA’s office in Las Vegas or visit the SSA’s website http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm.