When it comes to deciding to apply for social security disability, there are several factors to consider. In addition to the fact that the specific reasons for which you are applying for a disability make your situation unique, there are a number of common features that must be considered in all cases. I also assume that your case is legal, and not a claim based on a maling or simply trying to not work. The idea is to make your business as strong as possible, and avoid the pitfalls that the social security system specifically sets up to reject your request for benefits.
Social security, from the point of view of the administrators of this social service, does not want to make it easier for you to receive a disability. Their reasoning is that if you are not capable of any work, they will not approve your application. Statistics show that most people applying are rejected the first time they apply for benefits, regardless of their legitimate need. Thus, it is up to you to appeal and continue to appeal no matter how many times you are refused.
The process begins with an appointment at your local social welfare office after you have made your first phone call to the general SS office (1-800-772-1213). They will send you forms (by mail), which will be filled out by your personal physician, with any documentation confirming your claim for complete disability (regardless of your profession), indicating the date and destination.
When you go, do not get dressed. Actually get dressed. Take all your prescription drugs (which you will be asked to write down), put them in a bag and bring with you, not a list of drugs. It is much better to take the bottles, because it makes your statement more tangible.
If you go alone, go by taxi and get a receipt. If you live in a city, you will be asked how you came to the office. They think that if you can agree on a public transport system, then you can work. Show them the receipt. This is especially true if you live in a big city, such as New York, which has a fairly accessible public transport system.
They will do all the laboratory work for such an appointment, and take blood, urine, x-rays, or other procedures that they consider justified. You will also see one of your doctors, who will check you and confirm your claims. If you have hospital X-rays or documents from previous hospitals, bring them in to see a doctor. This appointment is the place where you can bring all the “things” that you need to support your claim. You are responsible for providing the strongest example possible.
You will also see a psychiatrist who will question you about the implications of this disability for your life and your ability to work in ANY work. You will be asked questions such as weight, which you can lift, if you can do your homework, you can take care of yourself, such as getting dressed and bathing. All sorts of things to see if you have any opportunity to do any work or do something on your own. So, how do you answer these questions, will your request be approved or denied.
Another important question they will ask you is that if you can type, you have a computer. The idea here is that if you are capable of typing or using a computer, then you can do some work. You need to anticipate the motives of each question you are asked, and be very careful not to do anything to jeopardize your claim. If you are not sure what they ask, you can always (depending on your requirements) say that you do not understand, you do not remember what they asked for, or you did not hear them.
When you apply for social security disability, it’s usually because your requirement is valid, and you need it, because your disability has affected your lifestyle, your quality of life, and you cannot work. These pointers should make your case as strong as possible. You should not lie or make claims that are not legal, but remember that social security measures your disability at the expense of your ability to do any work at all. They will use this criterion to question you, and feel free to use your answers to drop your case no matter how real and legitimate your disabilities are. From ten days to two weeks after you submit your application, you will receive a response. It will be either approval or rejection. If this is rejected, appeals, appeals and appeals. In most cases, when you file an appeal, it will be approved, but they will not facilitate it. If you really need benefits, do not give up and do not be disappointed in the first denial.
