The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two forms of disability benefits to individuals who can’t work and earn an income because of disabling conditions: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Do you live in Ohio? Are you unable to work because of a disability? If so, you may qualify for one of these programs. If you do, the benefits you receive on a weekly basis could help you cover the costs of necessities like food and shelter.
The following guide will cover what you need to know about how to apply for disability in Ohio. Be aware that if you’re wondering how to get disability in Ohio, one of the best steps you can take is to review your case with a legal professional who represents clients like yourself.
Meeting Requirements to Receive Benefits in Ohio
Applying to the correct program is essential when you apply for disability in Ohio. If you apply for a program whose qualifications you don’t meet, you’ll have wasted a lot of time, forcing you to wait even longer to receive any benefits you may be eligible for.
SSDI
To qualify for both SSDI and SSI, someone must have a disability as the SSA defines it. Generally, the SSA considers someone to be disabled when a medical condition that’s expected to last at least 12 months or result in death prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Being unable to participate in SGA means being unable to earn a certain minimum monthly income. For example, in 2024, a non-blind individual can’t participate in SGA if they’re unable to earn more than $1,550 a month. For someone who is statutorily blind, SGA is $2,590 per month in 2024.
The SSA also offers the Blue Book. This resource contains numerous listings for conditions that may qualify someone for Social Security disability benefits. Checking the Blue Book to confirm whether your condition qualifies as a disability is a smart way to begin the process of seeking benefits in Ohio.
For SSDI, you also have to prove that you’ve earned sufficient “work credits” to qualify for the program, as SSDI is only available to those who’ve worked and paid into Social Security in the past. For every year that someone who pays into Social Security works, they can earn a maximum of four work credits.
The general requirement is that someone needs to have earned 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI. In addition, they must have earned at least 20 of said credits in the 10 years before becoming disabled. However, the SSA does make exceptions for younger applicants, as they might not have enough work experience to have earned all the work credits they need for the program.
SSI
SSI is a needs-based program. Unlike SSDI, there is no requirement for someone to have worked and paid into Social Security for them to qualify for SSI. Instead, they merely need to show the following:
- They have a disability as the SSA defines it or are at least 65 years of age
- They have minimal to no income
- They have minimal to no other resources or assets
As you learn how to apply for Social Security disability benefits in Ohio, you’ll start to realize you may need to prepare several different types of documentation and information to show the SSA you meet the eligibility criteria. An Ohio disability lawyer could help you gather these documents, allowing you to focus on your health as you struggle with a disability.
Filling Out Ohio Disability Application
There are several ways to access an application for SSI or SSDI. They include:
- Apply online
- By calling the SSA at 1 (800) 772-1213
- By visiting your local SSA office in Ohio
Before starting the application, it’s important to gather any documentation that may be necessary. In virtually all cases, it helps to have the following general documentation and information on hand as you start the application process:
- Citizenship status information/documentation
- Proof of age
- Social Security number
- Proof of income
- Proof of resources
- Proof of living arrangements
- Work history information
The types of documents that can provide the information above may vary depending on your circumstances. For example, if you were born in the U.S., a birth certificate should qualify as both proof of your age and citizenship. If not, you may have to substitute a current immigration document, like an I-551 (permanent resident card).
The Blue Book listing for your condition will also provide information about the specific types of medical documentation you may need to gather. Check it thoroughly to confirm you have everything you need to apply.
Tracking Your Application & Follow-Up
As you learn how to apply for disability in Ohio, you might have other, related questions, such as “How long will it take for me to get an approval?”
There’s no way of knowing for sure. Many factors can influence the timeline. That said, it generally takes four to six months for the SSA to render an initial decision about a claim.
Keep an eye out for any correspondence from the SSA after you submit your claim, as the SSA may reach out with requests for additional documentation. Or, the SSA may request that you participate in a consultative exam, a medical exam designed to provide the SSA with a better sense of how your disability affects you.
Comply with these requests promptly. Doing so is key to avoiding delays in the approval process.
There are various ways you can check on your application’s status after submitting it. You can call the SSA, visit the SSA office where you originally filled out your application, or you can create an account with the SSA to check the status of your application online.
Is it Hard to Get Approved for Disability in Ohio?
According to various sources, the approval rate for an initial disability benefits claim in Ohio is 36.6%. That means the SSA only approves 36.6% of initial claims it receives in Ohio.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply if you believe you deserve benefits. The SSA allows you to appeal its initial decision. After an appeal, your odds of receiving an approval may be higher. A lawyer can also assist you with said appeal.
Tips for Getting Approved in Ohio
There are many small but powerful steps you can take to improve your chances of being approved for disability benefits in Ohio. They include:
- Ensuring you provide thorough medical evidence when submitting your claim
- Continuing to receive medical treatment and following a doctor’s orders
- Complying promptly when the SSA contacts you requesting additional information
- Thoroughly checking all forms for minor errors (even typos) that could cause delays
- Working with an Ohio disability lawyer
There are also common mistakes you should avoid when applying for disability benefits in Ohio. The following are examples of what NOT to do when seeking benefits:
- Not following the advice of your doctor thoroughly
- Not continuing to document your medical treatment and the way your condition affects you
- Exaggerating any aspect of your disability
- Waiting too long to apply and missing deadlines as a result
Luckily, when you work with an attorney, you’ll have a professional on hand who can help you guard against these mistakes and others.
Connect with a Disability Attorney in Ohio
There are many advantages to working with an Ohio disability lawyer when applying for benefits. Naturally, such a professional will have experience handling cases like yours. They can assist you with such tasks as gathering compelling evidence while you focus on your health and other priorities.
In addition, you’re not taking a significant financial risk when you hire a disability lawyer in Ohio. That’s because you don’t have to pay them until you receive an approval from the SSA. For more information about what a lawyer can do for you, take the Free Case Evaluation and get connected with an Ohio disability attorney who may be able to help with your case.
