Applying For Social Security Disability? Here Are 4 Steps To Help Move The Process Along
Filing for social security disability can be confusing, and stressful. The entire process can make make an already difficult situation – dealing with a debilitating injury or disease – even more devastating. This is particularly true if you're also dealing with a loss of income, and mounting medical bills. If you're going to be filing for social security disability, or you've already applied, here are four steps you can take to make the process go more smoothly for you.
Keep Copies of Your Medical Records
While you're applying for social security disability, your medical records will be your most vital information. Make sure you're prepared for the application process by keeping copies of all your medical records. It's particularly important that you have access to your medical records when you're filling out the initial application. This will give you the information you need to ensure that your application is as thorough as possible.
Make Regular Status Inquiries
After you file your initial application, you may be tempted to wait for them to contact you. However, you shouldn't do that. The last thing you want to do is take an "out-of-sight-out-of-mind" approach to the application process. About one week after you submit your application, contact the office to make sure they've received your paperwork. After that initial phone call, start making weekly contact with the worker assigned to your application. This will ensure that you receive timely notification of any problems that might arise, such as additional paperwork that needs to be submitted. It will also allow your worker to put a voice to the application, which can help speed up the process.
Be Honest About Your Health Issues
When it comes to filing an application for disability benefits, the most important thing you can do is be honest. This includes with the information you provide about your impairments. Don't exaggerate your ailments, but don't sugar-coat them either. If your ailment causes you continual pain, state that. If a certain ailment only causes pain occasionally, such as after strenuous activities, state that too. Be as honest about your conditions as you can be. Honesty will help you avoid problems that could derail your application.
Speak to an Attorney
If you're fighting for your disability benefits, don't fight alone. Hire an attorney. An experienced social security disability attorney will help you through the application, and appeals process, so that you can get the benefits you're entitled to. It's important to note that you should give your attorney a complete copy of your medical records. This will help them prepare for the appeals process.
Talk to a professional like Timothy W Hudson Attorney for more information.