Resources

Anyone unable to perform substantial work activity due to a physical or mental health condition, or a combination of the two, may be eligible for SSDI and SSI benefits. Individuals under full retirement age who are receiving Social Security Retirement benefits may be entitled to higher monthly benefits and Medicare under SSDI if they subsequently become disabled.

An application for SSDI/SSI benefits must first be filed with the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI applications can be filed online at www.SSA.gov, but SSI applications must be completed by making an appointment with the Social Security Administration. Once SSA collects the initial information it needs from you, your file will be sent to the designated state agency called a Disability Determination Service (DDS). They will determine whether your condition meets SSA’s definition of a disabled individual. The applicant may receive written and/or verbal correspondence from both SSA and the DDS as the claim is in process. You may be asked to complete additional forms and/or attend one or more consultative examinations (CE). The DDS uses CEs when it does not find the evidence it needs in your medical records, or if the evidence is not up to date. All CEs are paid by the SSA. Once a decision is made, typically within 4 months, you will have 60 days to appeal the decision.

The Social Security Act defines disability as the “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, or those under 65 who have disabilities and have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months. It is also immediately available for people with End Stage Renal Disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Over time we have learned that many of our clients need and desire to have dental coverage as many health plans do not include this benefit as part of their benefits package. As such, we are excited to have teamed up with Denali Dental in Washington and Spirit Dental in Oregon to offer you dental benefits. To learn more about dental coverage in your state click on the corresponding links below.

Oregon

Washington

Over time we have learned that many of our clients need and desire to have vision coverage as many health plans do not include this benefit as part of their benefits package. As such, we are excited to have teamed up with Direct Vision in Oregon to offer you vision benefits. Patient Support Services USA does not currently offer a stand-alone vision plan in Washington. To learn more about Direct Vision, click on the link below.

Oregon