Becca asked:


At the end of each day, thousands of Social Security disability applications have been processed. Social Security workers review disability files and make determinations based on paperwork–decisions that will affect thousands of lives. The disability application process is a long one, with dozens of signatures, contact numbers and medical research, and often desperate hopes. It is disappointing that about 70% of these disabled Americans will have their hopes dashed by an official denial in the mail.

Although the chances of being denied initially are high, there are some things these applicants could have done to lower their chances of being denied. Here are three common mistakes to avoid while applying for disability:

Mistake #1: Sloppy paperwork

Those who are serious about their Social Security application should write clearly and legibly. Be sure to review each page of the application thoroughly, ask questions, and make sure you understand the disability process before applying your signature. Make sure each page is present and in order, and that all required information is attached.

One of the first things a Social Security worker after receiving an application is to look through the paperwork to see if anything is missing. If you are serious about getting Social Security disability benefits, don’t give them any chance to put your file aside. Delays only cost you valuable time and put your disability benefits further out of reach. It is worth a second look to make sure everything is present.

Mistake #2: Lack of detail

Many disability applications have general statements such as “I can’t work.” This may be true, but it doesn’t add to your case. Instead, be specific as to why you cannot work. When a Social Security worker reviews your application, he or she should see “I can sit up to 20 minutes at a time, stand for 10 minutes, and can lift or carry up to 5 lbs. I was unable to work about 10 days per month before I lost my last job. Dr. Smith has restricted me from current employment because of my back pain and heavy medication.” Which do you think a Social Security worker is more likely to approve?

Mistake #3: Leaving the dirty work to Social Security

Applicants are told that Social Security will request any necessary medical records and provide a medical consultation if necessary. All you need to do is submit an application, and they will do the rest. Right?

If you’re serious about getting disability benefits, do your research before you even submit the application. Get all your records from your doctors, clinics, hospitals, counselors, employers and anyone who may become important to your case. Obtain records from before you became disabled if possible, all the way up to the present. And make copies of everything just in case. The most important documents are those related to your ability to work, and a narrative or disability form from your doctor is of utmost importance.

If you haven’t been to see a doctor in awhile, but are serious about getting Social Security benefits, do not wait for Social Security to send you to their doctor. Find a dependable doctor who supports your disability claim and build a relationship fast–it is very difficult to get disability benefits based solely on the testimony of a Social Security doctor who doesn’t know you and your condition at all.

These tips will make your Social Security file clearer, streamlined and efficient, and maximize your chances of being approved for disability quickly. Wherever you are in the process, best of luck.



Kansieo.com

Becca asked:


The process of applying for Social Security Disability or SSI can be a complicated one. Someone applying for disability may wonder what they need to focus on while completing their application, while waiting for a decision, or even what to do after they have been approved. Here are some tips for a disability or SSI applicant that may help the process go a bit more smoothly.

1) BEFORE

While you are preparing to submit an application, there are three important factors to consider. First, focus on building a strong medical history. Social Security relies heavily on medical records and related documentation. It is important to have seen a supportive doctor for a long period of time. More than one doctor can be helpful too, especially if the other physicians are specialists. Make sure you have documentation to show a steady history of your disability from the date you believe your disability began. If you have not been seeing a doctor, start now. Do not wait for Social Security to set up a “consultative exam” with one of their doctors, as that situation is usually not very helpful to your claim. So tip #1: build a strong medical history.

The second recommendation is to keep a record of your work history. Keep a log of your employer’s name, phone number, address, the dates you worked, your duties, any difficulties you had in fulfilling those duties, and why your employment was terminated. This information will be helpful later on.

Third, prepare for a long process. Your financial situation will likely become strained before you are finally approved for disability, and you may need help from friends or family. If you have no medical insurance, you may have to ask for assistance in affording medications and doctor visits. If you are approved for disability or SSI quickly, wonderful! If you are like most disability applicants, however, you may wait years to see your disability check. Just prepare yourself in whatever way you can.

2) DURING

Once you have submitted your application, continue to see your doctor(s) and gather your medical records and other evidence for Social Security. Make copies of everything, and include as much detailed information as possible. Report changes in medications, and continue to submit evidence as it comes. Notify Social Security if your situation becomes life-threating or extremely dire, as your claim may be expedited. Make copies of eviction notices and other such urgent matters and send them to Social Security. Keep documentation of conversations with Social Security workers and file away all paperwork you receive. Remember, with thousands of other applicants going through the process with you, you may have to be assertive to make sure your disability claim is considered properly.

If you decide to hire a disability lawyer, ask around and do your research. Disability lawyers basically charge the same fees, but the service can vary considerably. The most important point in the process is the hearing level, at which point many applicants decide to hire representation. If you decide to represent yourself, be familiar with your medical records and daily activities. At the hearing, be cautious but honest in your answers.

3) AFTER

If you are denied, appeal, appeal, appeal. That is all you can do, and it is very common.

If you are approved, however, there will probably be a wait before you start to receive your disability checks. Your Medicaid benefits will also come later. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this wait. But once you do receive your disability or SSI benefits, be careful about working too many hours. If you work, you may not earn over Social Security’s SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limits. If you do earn over the limits, Social Security may terminate your disability benefits and make you pay back the benefits you did receive (during the months you exceeded SGA). At that point, it will be very hard to be approved for disability again.

Wherever you are in the disability process, best of luck.



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