How to Apply For Disability in Ohio

by on January 7, 2023

Are you planning to apply for disability in Ohio but don’t know where to start? We can help.  

SSA provides a financial disability benefit to Ohioans with fatal conditions or those with conditions that have stopped them from working for at least 12 months. 

This guide discusses how to apply for social security disability benefits in Ohio and tips to increase the chances of approval. 

What are the medical conditions covered under Disability in Ohio? 

The SSA usually considers some medical conditions for disability determination, including severe conditions such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. 

Other impairments that may easily qualify for disability benefits in Ohio are congestive heart failure, intellectual disorder, chronic respiratory disorder, and diabetic neuropathy. 

However, the applicant must provide valid proof of condition for these claims to be approved. This is where it’s best to use a professional disability lawyer in Ohio.

The Social Security Administration issues a publication called the Bluebook that highlights what conditions automatically apply for disability. Although coverage varies somewhat between states, the Bluebook lists physical and mental conditions that qualify for Supplemental security income (SSI) or the Social Security Disability insurance benefits (SSDI). 

Some of the conditions listed in the blue book are: 

  • Cancer 
  • Kidney disease
  • Mental disorders like depression and anxiety 
  • Cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure and coronary artery disease 
  • Liver disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome 
  • Vision and hearing problems
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other Neurological disorders 
  • Asthma and COPD 
  • Sjogren’s syndrome 
  • Arthritis 
  • HIV/AIDS

How do I get disability benefits for the listed conditions? 

Ohioans can access disability benefits for conditions listed in the Bluebook, equivalent to those listed in the book, or if they have other conditions that stop them from working. 

Get a diagnosis: Contact a medical professional to access an official diagnosis for your medically confirmable impairment. For a few critical conditions, such as organ transplant or severe cancer, you can automatically get the disability approved based on a diagnosis of your medical condition. However, a simple diagnosis won’t get an application approved for most impairments. Your condition must meet the essential medical criteria for the disability determination service to approve your disability claim. Again, these criteria are different depending on the state, but here are some general principles:

To know whether you meet these criteria, you’ll need to perform a clinical or lab test, which your doctor can perform. 

An applicant can get a consultative examination through the SSA. However, keep in mind that this may increase the process’s time. 

In addition, to qualify for disability benefits in Ohio, the applicant’s job history must meet the standard work requirements. 

You must demonstrate (with proof) that you’ve worked for at least a certain number of years and that the level of work down qualifies for this benefit. 

The requirement may vary depending on when the applicant became disabled.

For instance, if you became disabled at 23, then you only need to have worked for one and a half years, but if you’re disabled at 58, then you should have worked for at least nine years to be an SSI recipient. 

 The requirements vary for Social Supplementary Income, which assists disabled people with limited resources and income and those without work credit. 

How Do you apply for disability benefits in Ohio? 

There are three steps you can take when it comes to how to apply for disability benefits: online, in person, or over the phone. 

Experts recommend applying online because applying by telephone or in person can take a lot of time.

 Getting a lawyer to assist with the process is also a good step because a detailed application with complete documents can speed up the process. 

If you live in Ohio, a social security disability application form is sent from the social security Admin to an Ohio Agency known as the Opportunity for Ohioans with Disabilities. The process takes up to three months. 

Visit the SSA website at ssa.gov/applyfordisability to complete an application online for disability benefits in Ohio.

Call their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213( the deaf or those with difficulty hearing should call 1-800-325-0778). 

Alternatively, visit the Ohio Social security office nearest to you. There are four offices in Cleveland, including the office at 7517 Lorain Ave. Some other offices are located in Warrensville, Parma, and Lakewood. 

Keep in mind that this may not be an option if:

  • You’re already on the social security record of people who are already receiving benefits 
  •  Your disability benefits have already been denied in the past 60 days. 
  • Your medical condition will only last for not less than 12 months. 

Regardless of how to file for the disability method you choose, you’ll be required to complete a disability benefits application and attach all necessary documents and information listed on the Adult disability checklists, including medical records and job history, to support your claim.

The required medical information includes: 

  • The name and address of the medical professionals you’ve used over the years. 
  • Diagnosis documentation
  • Related test results 
  • The functional limitations that occurred due to your condition
  • The Doctor’s treatment plan 

If SSA denies your initial application, file a request for Reconsideration and ask for an appeal hearing before the judge. Applicants who file for an appeal have a better chance of Reconsideration and approval for benefits. In addition, a professional Ohio disability benefit expert can guide you through the entire process and help you get the benefits you deserve. 

Is there a time frame for how long I can continue to receive a disability benefit? 

An individual can continue to receive disability as long as their disability stops them from working. However, there are circumstances that they can stop receiving disability benefits. 

For instance, if their condition improves to a point where they’re no longer disabled, they can stop receiving the benefits.  

How much cash assistance can you receive in Ohio?

Social Security Disability benefit is intended for disabled people with low income. The benefit is calculated depending on the worker’s age and lifetime earnings, averaging about $1,170 per month. 

How Trajector can help 

Talk to an expert at Trajectory today If you think you qualify for disability benefits. If you want to appeal an unfair disability decision or are confused about accessing your social security benefits, contact an expert at Trajector.  

Our experts have several years of experience helping people claim their benefits. So we’re happy to do the same for you. 

Give us a call today or reach out online to schedule a consultation.