Applying for Social Security Disability in Iowa: A Guide

These Are the Keys to Filing a Successful Disability Application

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can be hard. Only about one in five applicants succeeds on the first try, which means most won’t get benefits or must go through a lengthy appeals process to win them.

Often, small mistakes or not enough information causes these denials. At Schott Mauss & Associates, we’ve sadly seen the impact of this far too many times. That’s why our team of Iowa Social Security Disability attorneys partners with Iowans to ensure they file correctly the first time. 

Let’s look at what the process requires and why having experienced legal help from the start is crucial.

Table of Contents

• Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits in Iowa?
• How to Apply for Benefits
• What Information Do I Need to Provide?
• How Disability Benefits Are Determined in Iowa
• Avoid These Common Filing Mistakes
• Get Expert Legal Help Now

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits in Iowa?

The first step to apply for Social Security Disability benefits is knowing whether you qualify. 

Social Security Disability has two different programs that cover people who are disabled or blind. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for one or both.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Eligibility for this program is based on financial need. 
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program is based on work history. 

Which Program Do I Qualify For?

For both SSI and SSDI, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability. This means your medical condition must prevent you from doing “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The Social Security Administration offers an online questionnaire to help you determine whether you qualify for benefits. However, this questionnaire should not be taken as a final word. If you aren’t sure whether you qualify or are unsure which benefits you qualify for, you should discuss your situation with an attorney.

Here’s a closer look at who may be eligible for these programs. 

Qualifying for SSI

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you must meet all the following criteria:

• Have a disability, be blind, or be older than 65.
• Have under $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for couples). This does not include your home and one vehicle. 
• Have a limited income.

Children with a disability whose family meets the income guidelines are also eligible.

Qualifying for SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance primarily covers people who have worked but are no longer able to. To receive benefits, you must have worked a certain number of years before your injury, earning “work credits.” You earn these credits by working and paying Social Security taxes. You can earn up to four credits per year. 

The number of credits you need to receive benefits will depend on how old you were when the disability started. Many adults will need 40 credits to qualify, including 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may need fewer credits. 

If you were disabled before you turned 22 and one of your parents has died or is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you also may qualify. 

Medical Conditions that Qualify

For both programs, you must meet the definition of “disability” from the Social Security Administration to win benefits. 

The SSA has a “Blue Book” (officially called the “Listing of Impairments”) that lists many medical conditions and how severe they must be to qualify. If your condition exactly matches one of the listings, you may be approved quickly.

However, you can qualify even if their condition isn’t in the Blue Book. The SSA also considers if your condition is “medically equal” in severity to a listed impairment, or if your limitations prevent you from working, even if your specific condition isn’t listed.  In that case, your attorney will help you with arguments proving your disability.

We know that each situation is different, and one list can’t possibly take into account all the factors involved. That’s why working with an attorney like those at Schott Mauss is important. We will help you tell your full story so you can represent your true needs as effectively as possible. 

How to Apply for Benefits

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a detailed process that involves submitting an application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA allows applications online, in person, or over the phone. In each situation, the details that you provide are incredibly important and can significantly impact your chances of success. 

Because of this, we strongly recommend that you work with an attorney. An attorney’s office can submit the application, ensuring the correct information is included.

Applying Online

Online applications are available for all adults who are not currently receiving benefits and haven’t been denied in the past 60 days. Applications for children or non-disabled seniors who are 65 or older cannot be done online. 

While applying online offers a convenient method to file, it’s important to note that anything you enter online becomes a part of your record. Mistakes can lead to delays or denial of your benefits. The attorneys at Schott Mauss can help you handle the online application from the start. We will ensure you are entering accurate information in the correct fields.

Applying in Person

Applying in person at a local Social Security office allows for more one-on-one interaction with SSA staff. However, your local office cannot provide legal advice to you and is not a substitute for an attorney who will work in your best interest. At Schott Mauss & Associates, our team can work with you to prepare for your in-person appointment and know what questions to expect. 

Applying Over the Phone

Applying via phone call is another common application method for Social Security Disability. Similar to the other methods, it’s important to prepare for your phone interview and present your information accurately. 

If you are ready to file, don’t do it alone. The attorneys at Schott Mauss & Associates are able to not only help you prepare for the application process but also to handle it on your behalf 

What Information Do I Need to Provide?

Before you file, it’s vital to gather all the information you need. Applying for Social Security Disability requires very specific information about yourself, your family, your work history, and your medical condition. This information will prove that you have a qualifying disability and are eligible to receive benefits. 

Having a plan at this step is a must. Work with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to make sure you have all the files and pieces of information that you need before you apply. 

Here is a look at what you will need. 

Personal & Family Details

• Your name, birthdate, place of birth, and Social Security number
• Your tax forms and W-2 (for verification purposes)
• A permanent resident card number (if you’re not a U.S. citizen)
• Your current spouse’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number
• Similar information about any previous spouse(s)
• The dates and places you were married and the dates of any divorces or the death of a spouse
• Names and birthdates of minor children or children who became disabled before age 22
• Direct deposit banking information

Employment Information

• Details on your employer(s), earnings, and employment start/end dates for the past two years
• Details on any self-employment (business type, net total income)
• Information and dates of employment for the jobs you worked for the last five years before you were no longer able to work (up to five jobs).
• Information on workers’ benefits, such as workers’ compensation, that you filed for or meant to file for. 

Medical Information

• Copies of your medical records, including doctor’s notes, hospital discharge summaries, and test results (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, blood work, etc.)
• A full list of all medications you’re taking, including the dosage, frequency, and any side effects.
• Detailed information on how your medical conditions limit your daily activities and ability to perform work-related tasks.
• The name and contact information of people who are aware of your medical condition and can help with the application process.

How Disability Benefits Are Determined in Iowa

Once you submit your application for benefits, it will go to the federal Social Security Administration.

The approval process will include both federal and state agencies. The SSA will make the technical determination of your eligibility based on factors like your income, age, and work history. Meanwhile, Iowa Disability Determination Services, part of Iowa’s state government, will assess your medical information to make the medical determination. 

The average amount of time to process an application for disability is six to eight months. 

If you are approved for SSDI, there is a five-month waiting period before you can begin receiving benefits. This waiting period will extend five full months from the date your disability began. 

If you are approved for SSI, there is no waiting period. Benefits will usually begin the month following your approval. 

Avoid These Common Filing Mistakes

As you prepare to apply for benefits, keep in mind that accuracy is key. Here are some of the common mistakes we see people make on their first application — and how our team can help you avoid them. 

• Not enough medical evidence. Presenting thorough medical evidence to support your disability claim is key to approval. We will help you sift through your medical files to find the essential information you need.
• Insufficient work history. Make sure you provide all requested information on past jobs and employers. We can help you detail your work history, even if it’s complex. 
• Failure to follow medical treatment. You may be able to establish your disability, but if you are not following the treatment ordered by your doctor, this can cause problems. Our attorneys can help you determine if this will be an issue and how to proceed. 
• Not cooperating with the Social Security Administration. If the SSA sends more requests to you, you must respond to receive benefits. We can help you keep an eye on deadlines and know how to respond. 

There are many other reasons that applications are denied. Some of them are medical (such as the severity of your injury) and others are technical (such as the amount of your income or assets). If you believe you’ve been denied in error, you can pursue an appeal. Read our guide to Social Security Disability appeals to learn more about the process and how we can assist you. 

Don’t Go It Alone. Work With Iowa’s Top Social Security Disability Attorneys.

Social Security Disability programs are here to help you in times of need. Don’t let avoidable errors get in the way of the benefits you deserve. The Social Security Disability attorneys at Schott Mauss & Associates are here to help. For more than 20 years, we’ve helped Iowans navigate the complexities of the process. We’re ready to hear your unique story and guide you every step of the way.

Read reviews from our clients to see how we’ve helped them in times of need. Contact us to get a free consultation with our attorneys today.