How to Apply for Social Security Disability
Accidents and injuries in the workplace are all too common, and countless people are involved in workplace accidents every year in the United States.
Fortunately, a large majority of these occurrences do not result in grave injury, and the employee is able to return to work fairly quickly with little to no impact on their day to day lives.
However, there are some workers who are involved in much more serious events, some that have catastrophic consequences resulting in a temporary or permanent disability.
If you are left with a disability, you may find that your ability to work is affected. This can place you and your family in financial hardship. However, you might be entitled to fiscal aid in the form of social security disability benefits.
What is social security disability insurance?
Also known as SSDI, Social security disability insurance pays benefits to you and qualifying members of your family, if you have contributed enough in social security taxes to be deemed eligible to receive them.
The Social Security Administration has a list of medical impairments that automatically qualify someone for SSDI. However, every patient is different and so even if your medical condition isn’t on this list, you may still qualify if certain criteria are met. The list is fairly extensive and includes many of the following:
- Blood disorders
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Digestive tract problems
- Immune system disorders
- Mental disorders
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Neurological impairments
- Respiratory conditions
- Senses and speech issues
Applying for social security disability is rarely easy
Applying for social security disability can be overwhelmingly stressful, particularly when you are already coping with the effects of your disability. The paperwork can be confusing and as many as 70% of claims are denied after the first application. Unfortunately, this means that many workers are going without the financial support that they so desperately need at this difficult time.
If your initial claim for social security disability has been denied, you may need to enlist the help of an experienced attorney who can navigate you through the appeals process with minimal stress.
Statistics show that workers who seek professional legal representation are much more likely to experience a fair hearing and be successful in their appeal. This is because they have a unique understanding of the laws surrounding social security disability and what is required to get your claim approved.
What information do I need to apply for social security disability?
In order to process your claim, you will be asked a great deal of information about yourself, your employment and your disability. Some of the things that you will need to provide include:
- Your social security number and proof of your age
- The names and contact details of all professionals involved in your disability, including doctors, hospitals, clinics, therapists, and caseworkers
- The dates of all related visits to these professionals
- Names and dosage information for all medications that you are currently taking
- Medical records from all of the aforementioned medical professionals
- Copies of test results including blood tests, x-rays, MRI/CT scans and more
- Information about your place of employment, your role and your main day to day responsibilities
- Your most recent W-2 form, or if you are self-employed, a copy of your federal tax return
If your family members are applying for social security benefits, you will also need to supply social security numbers and proof of age for each person who might qualify for benefits, and in the case of a spouse, proof of marriage.
Once you have all of your information and supporting evidence ready, call or visit your local social security office or complete your application online.
Need further support?
The team here at Juan Lucas Alvarez, P.A. have extensive experience in successfully appealing rejected social security disability benefit claims.
Our attorneys have helped countless people to claim the financial support that they are entitled to while they are unable to work. Contact our offices today to learn more at 305-442-7375.
