I would talk to an attorney before filing, but you can file yourself, too. As soon as you become disabled, and are working erratically or not working, you may apply for disability at any Social Security office. You may also apply by phone. The best way to start is to call 1-800-772-1213. Most people who are comfortable writing answers find that a telephone appointment is the easiest way to file. If you are not comfortable with a lot of writing, set an appointment to apply in person.

Once your application is submitted to the Social Security office, it is first reviewed there, to see if you meet the non disability requirements for benefits like income and resources, for SSI applicants, and sufficient earnings, for Social Security disability applicants. If you're a family member applying for benefits, they'll confirm your relationship to the worker.

You can fill out an application for Social Security Disability benefits at the local Social Security office nearest to your home or by telephone. The address and telephone number of your local Social Security office can be obtained by calling 1-800-772-1213. When applying you should be prepared to give Social Security a list with the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the doctors, hospitals or clinics who have treated you for your condition.

If you are totally disabled from all forms of employment, it is theoretically possible for you to receive wage-loss benefits for the rest of your life. This, however, is unlikely to occur. If your injury occurred after June 24, 1996, and you have received one hundred and four weeks of total disability benefits, the company has the right to require you to submit to a medical examination to determine the extent of your permanent impairment.

If you have been told by a physician that you have pneumoconiosis or other lung problems, you may have questions about whether you are eligible for any compensation from the Federal Government. The Federal Black Lung Benefits Program is completely separate from the State Workers’ Compensation programs. Some miners may qualify for one program and not the other.

Yes.  A portion of disability benefits is considered taxable income for both the Federal Income Tax and FICA (Social Security).  The portion of the benefits payment that is taxable is that portion attributable to the employer's disability contribution.  The worker's share of FICA is deducted from State Plan benefit payments.  The employer is liable for the employer's share of FICA.  Federal income tax is withheld only if requested by the claimant.

Members who are injured in the line of duty are eligible to receive a disability benefit of at least $300 a month for as long as the member is unable to perform his/her duties.

You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in-person at any SSA office, or by telephone and mail. Going in-person for your disability interview will get you free advice from the claims representative, an examination of your papers for errors and oversights, an opportunity to correct them before the papers are filed, and the opportunity to demonstrate your honesty and credibility to a representative of SSA.