HOW TO get SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

How to Get Social Security Disability Benefits

 

1.  Make sure your application is complete.  It takes hours to complete a good SSDI application. 

Most applications that I review are inadequate.  Too many blank lines.

2.  Provide full contact information for all your doctors, clinics, ERs, therapists or other treatment providers.  Social Security only gets the records you tell them about.

3.  Keep a record of all medical appointments AFTER you apply and make Social Security aware of them.  Update Social Security. They only get the records you ask them to get!  If you don't tell them about new medical appointments, they don't know.

4.  Continue to see your doctor(s) regularly.

5.  Return all forms sent to you promptly--and be sure they are done right.

6.  Correctly state your ability to function on the Function Report.  State how you are restricted or limited in your daily activities.

7.  Follow up with Disability Determination Service (DDS) to be sure they get all your medical records.  Call them about once a month for a status report.

8.  Attend any consultative examinations Social Security/DDS schedules for you.

9.  Appeal any unfavorable decision within the strict 60 days deadline.

10.  Consider getting a professional attorney or advocate to help you.  The US government says that only 31 percent of claimants win without representation, but 60 percent win if they are represented. 

It's easy to get in over your head in Social Security disability.  It's complicated, laden with rules and laws, uses confusing terms and definitions, and it's established to deny cases, not to approve them.  For instance, at the initial application level, about 7 out of 10 claims will be denied. At the second stage, called "Reconsideration," the denial rate is more dismal with only about 15 percent being approved. You have a right to a hearing as the "third level" of review.  At the hearing, you odds are about 50/50.  So, be sure to have a hearing.