“Applying for SSDI benefits takes time and effort… some applicants may go it alone, but many rely on lawyers or other representatives for assistance”- AARP Public Policy
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be a long and stressful process. Our Social Security Disability Insurance lawyers help clients and their families with detailed SSDI applications and filing appeals after a Social Security Disability denial.
We’ve Compiled These Tips That We Hope Help as You Face This Tough Process:
- Apply as soon as possible.
Decisions by the Social Security Administration (SSA) take 3-5 months. Some applicants wait 2-4 years before receiving their first check. Even after receiving approval, the SSA will not send your first payment until 6 months after the date that your disability began. - Tell your doctor about your SSDI application.
SSA investigators will discuss your medical condition and treatment plans with your doctor. Your doctor needs to assist you in preparing the Residual Functional Capacity report – a form required as part of your application. - Request your medical records.
Get copies of your medical records from your doctor so you can accurately fill out your SSDI application. Be sure to keep a copy with other important documents. - Get organized.
The SSA may deny your valid SSDI claim if they don’t have what they need to make the right decision. Put medical records, lab test results, doctor’s notes, and prescription paperwork in a central place. Be sure to make copies for the SSA and keep original paperwork for your records. - Keep accurate notes and records.
You should keep a medications list including dosage, start and end dates, and notes on what the medication is for. Write notes for yourself covering any specific instructions from your doctor or any changes in medication. Additionally, don’t forget to make copies of everything you submit to SSA for your records. - Explain your work history.
Write a letter summarizing your work history, including a list of previous or current employers to demonstrate to the SSA that you meet their work requirements. It will also prove that you were fully employed and committed to working while you were able. - Don’t give up the fight after a Social Security Disability denial.
More than 60% of first time social security disability insurance claims are denied. However, the SSA allows you to file up to 5 appeals. Despite your initial claim’s denial, you may still be entitled to compensation. While going through additional rounds of appeal may be stressful, it can be worth the fight. SSDI ultimately paid $91.3 billion to disabled workers in 2008. - Be aware of appeal deadlines.
Forgetting an appeal deadline may send you to the “back of the line” in SSA’s investigation process – further delaying your Social Security Disability claim. - Pay attention to your finances.
It may be a lengthy wait before you receive your first SSDI check. The application process can take 3-5 months – and in some cases take years. Careful planning and figuring out how to pay your monthly expenses without a steady income will be essential to your wellbeing and that of your family. - Consider working with a Social Security Disability lawyer.
Working with a Social Security Disability Insurance attorney from Sokolove Law can help simplify the SSDI process. Having an attorney fill out paperwork and file appeals may be the advantage you need in order to gain approval from the SSA. Sokolove Law can help get you the SSDI monthly payments you may be entitled to and you are only charged a fee if we are successful in getting you SSDI benefits.
Request a free, no obligation legal consultation from Sokolove Law today.
Why Sokolove Law?
For more than 45 years, we’ve helped people get the legal support they need regardless of race or income. We offer free no-obligation legal consultations and don’t receive any fees until you receive monthly cash payments from the Social Security Administration. We review claims 24 hours per day and assist clients in all 50 states.
Why hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?
Disability insurance claim paperwork can be complex and frustrating – additional stresses that can further complicate your health. We simplify the SSDI application, appeals and hearing processes by taking the burden off of you and fighting for your rights.
