Tips for Getting SSDI Disability. Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be frustrating and takes a lot of time. Unfortunately, Social Security denies a lot of applications. In some cases, it can take several months to years before a case is approved. However, you can follow some tips that can help you.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 1: Understanding what you are applying for
Social Security offers two different types of disability benefits. First, Social Security offers disability insurance benefits (SSDI) for people who have worked. You must have earned enough work credits to apply for SSDI benefits. Second, Social Security offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for people who meet certain financial requirements. You must be of low income, assets and resources to apply. Both types of benefits require that your medical conditions keep you from working for at least 12 months. You cannot file for SSDI or SSI if you are still working.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 2: Understand the disability process
The disability application process can take several months before you receive a decision. Therefore, you should file your application as soon as you can’t work. Your local Social Security office processes your application. However, they do not make any decisions on your claim. Instead, your claim is sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS assigns a claims adjudicator. The claims adjudicator will:
- Gather your medical records
- Send you additional forms
- Schedule an appointment with a Social Security doctor if necessary
Once DDS receives all of your medical records, a Social Security doctor reviews your file. They determine what you can do despite your medical impairments, known as your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC determines whether you qualify for disability benefits.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 3: Be prepared when filing your application
Naturally, disability applications require a lot of information. Providing complete information gives you a better chance of winning your case. Most importantly, you should provide all of your medical treatment information on your application. This should include all doctors you have seen for the conditions interfering with your ability to work. It should also include any emergency room or hospital visits. However, you should only provide treatment information for the time that you have been unable to work.
Providing your work history
You will also need to provide your work history. Social Security only requires your work history for the last 15 years. You should provide a clear description of your past work. Social Security may deny your case if they don’t categorize your past work accurately. This work history should include:
- The date you last worked
- The name of your previous employers
- Your job title
- The dates that you approximately worked for each employer
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 4: Getting your doctor to complete an RFC form
Your treating doctors should complete an RFC form even if you think your medical evidence is strong. Many times, medical records don’t clearly translate how your symptoms cause problems doing things. Your doctor’s RFC form should be as detailed as possible. It should include both physical and mental limitations. A simple statement that you cannot work will not be enough.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 5: Understand the disability rules
Generally, Social Security disability requires that your medical conditions keep you from working at all. However, Social Security uses a chart called the Medical-Vocational guidelines to evaluate your disability claim. These guidelines are known as the “grid rules”. The grid rules make it easier for older people to win their case. Typically, if you are over the age of 50, the grid rules can allow Social Security to approve your case even if you can do other work. The rules are even more favorable if you are over age 55.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 6: Stay in Treatment
You must provide proof that your medical conditions interfere with your ability to work. Therefore, you need to see your doctors regularly for your conditions. If you don’t see your doctors, Social Security can’t evaluate your conditions. Additionally, you should follow all recommendations and take medications as prescribed. If you don’t follow your doctors’ recommendations, Social Security could deny your case.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 7: Get Treatment with Specialists
Typically, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists record your symptoms and problems better than a primary doctor. They focus on specific information that Social Security needs to approve your disability benefits. This can include special tests or examinations. It can also include your doctor’s opinion to explain how your conditions impact your functioning. This can especially be true for any mental health impairments. Generally, receiving medication from your primary doctor will not be enough to document your mental health conditions.
Check on the Status of Your Claim
Checking on the status of your claim can be important. It allows you to make sure Social Security handles your case properly. You can check to make sure your doctors’ records were received. You should confirm that they received any forms you completed. Lastly, it ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Appeal Denials
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability. Social Security often denies claims. You should appeal any denials. Re-filing a new application doesn’t help getting approved for benefits. It only can delay the appeals process. Frequently, Social Security denies you for the same reasons. Your changes for getting approved improve when you appeal an unfavorable decision. In fact, most cases have the best chance for approval at the hearing level.
Work With a Disability Advocate
Navigating the Social Security disability process can be overwhelming and exhausting. Social Security requires a lot of information and paperwork. Working with an experienced disability advocate ensures that Social Security gets the information they need to process your claim. You disability advocate walks you the process and answers all of your questions. They regularly check on the status of your case, files any necessary appeals, valuable advantage at the hearing level.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Related Articles
- Is Osteoporosis a Disability?
- What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
- I Just Received a Function Report Questionnaire from Social Security. What Should I Do?
- Why Your SSD Claim Might Be Denied?
- What is the SSDI Payment Schedule?
- How can I Check on My Disability Claim?
- Why Should I Hire a Disability Lawyer?
- What are the Over 55 Grid Rules?
- VA Benefits Appeal
- VA Disability Remand
- What are Social Security Disability Questions?
