| The process of applying for Social Security Disability or | | | | see your doctor(s) and gather your medical records |
| SSI can be a complicated one. Someone applying for | | | | and other evidence for Social Security. Make copies of |
| disability may wonder what they need to focus on | | | | everything, and include as much detailed information as |
| while completing their application, while waiting for a | | | | possible. Report changes in medications, and continue |
| decision, or even what to do after they have been | | | | to submit evidence as it comes. Notify Social Security |
| approved. Here are some tips for a disability or SSI | | | | if your situation becomes life-threating or extremely |
| applicant that may help the process go a bit more | | | | dire, as your claim may be expedited. Make copies of |
| smoothly. | | | | eviction notices and other such urgent matters and |
| 1) BEFORE | | | | send them to Social Security. Keep documentation of |
| While you are preparing to submit an application, there | | | | conversations with Social Security workers and file |
| are three important factors to consider. First, focus on | | | | away all paperwork you receive. Remember, with |
| building a strong medical history. Social Security relies | | | | thousands of other applicants going through the |
| heavily on medical records and related documentation. | | | | process with you, you may have to be assertive to |
| It is important to have seen a supportive doctor for a | | | | make sure your disability claim is considered properly. |
| long period of time. More than one doctor can be | | | | If you decide to hire a disability lawyer, ask around and |
| helpful too, especially if the other physicians are | | | | do your research. Disability lawyers basically charge |
| specialists. Make sure you have documentation to | | | | the same fees, but the service can vary considerably. |
| show a steady history of your disability from the date | | | | The most important point in the process is the hearing |
| you believe your disability began. If you have not been | | | | level, at which point many applicants decide to hire |
| seeing a doctor, start now. Do not wait for Social | | | | representation. If you decide to represent yourself, be |
| Security to set up a "consultative exam" with one of | | | | familiar with your medical records and daily activities. |
| their doctors, as that situation is usually not very helpful | | | | At the hearing, be cautious but honest in your answers. |
| to your claim. So tip #1: build a strong medical history. | | | | 3) AFTER |
| The second recommendation is to keep a record of | | | | If you are denied, appeal, appeal, appeal. That is all you |
| your work history. Keep a log of your employer's | | | | can do, and it is very common. |
| name, phone number, address, the dates you worked, | | | | If you are approved, however, there will probably be a |
| your duties, any difficulties you had in fulfilling those | | | | wait before you start to receive your disability checks. |
| duties, and why your employment was terminated. | | | | Your Medicaid benefits will also come later. |
| This information will be helpful later on. | | | | Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this |
| Third, prepare for a long process. Your financial | | | | wait. But once you do receive your disability or SSI |
| situation will likely become strained before you are | | | | benefits, be careful about working too many hours. If |
| finally approved for disability, and you may need help | | | | you work, you may not earn over Social Security's |
| from friends or family. If you have no medical | | | | SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limits. If you do earn |
| insurance, you may have to ask for assistance in | | | | over the limits, Social Security may terminate your |
| affording medications and doctor visits. If you are | | | | disability benefits and make you pay back the benefits |
| approved for disability or SSI quickly, wonderful! If you | | | | you did receive (during the months you exceeded |
| are like most disability applicants, however, you may | | | | SGA). At that point, it will be very hard to be approved |
| wait years to see your disability check. Just prepare | | | | for disability again. |
| yourself in whatever way you can. | | | | Wherever you are in the disability process, best of |
| 2) DURING | | | | luck. |
| Once you have submitted your application, continue to | | | | |