| If you are filing for disability benefits then you should be | | | | helpful. |
| aware of the following. Whether you are applying for | | | | Make the affidavit short. It should not be over tow |
| Social Security Disability or the Supplemental Security | | | | pages long so as not to bombard the Social Security |
| Income Program, the description of disability under the | | | | Administration with even more paperwork to read. It |
| Social Security Administration is the same. To be | | | | should be typed on regular sized typing paper. It should |
| regarded as disabled an individual must be unable to | | | | be signed in front of a notary public and signed and |
| perform any type of activity because of a mental or | | | | stamped by the notary public. This proves the |
| physical handicap that has lasted or will last at least 12 | | | | authenticity of the affidavit. |
| months continuously or such condition will end in the | | | | If providing an affidavit when filing for disability benefits, |
| person dying. | | | | make sure it is persuasive and concludes the person |
| If you earned more than $900 in a month during the | | | | who is making the statements occupation, title, and |
| last year, Social Security Administration (SSA) will | | | | address. How they are acquainted with the claimant, |
| consider that you were gainfully employed and will | | | | how long and in what capacity they know the claimant. |
| likely considered you as not being disabled. | | | | The affidavit should include how often there is contact |
| The SSA considers your physical or mental condition | | | | between the claimant and person giving the statement, |
| not to be a disability if it isn't severe enough to interfere | | | | whether phone contact or in person, and should |
| with your basic job performance. | | | | discuss what level of work the claimant was able to |
| They have a list of conditions at the Social Security | | | | perform prior to illness. |
| Administration that is used when someone is filing for | | | | The claimant who is filing for disability benefits should |
| disability benefits. If your condition is proven to be as | | | | also have a statement of specific limitations, |
| severe as those listed with SSA, you can be | | | | treatments, unsuccessful treatments, and a statement |
| determined as disabled. If your condition is the same as | | | | as to what extent they are unable to perform activities |
| one that is listed this doesn't necessarily mean that | | | | of daily living (ADL). If supervisors or co-workers are |
| your condition is severe enough to be counted as | | | | giving statements they should state why the person is |
| disabled. | | | | limited in working any occupation, and the person giving |
| It is also up to Social Security to determine whether | | | | the statement should be willing to speak with a judge |
| your condition is severe enouth to keep you from | | | | concerning their statement. |
| performing your previous jobs. If so, you will not be | | | | If you are filing for disability benefits you could have a |
| eligible to draw Social Security benefits. | | | | long road ahead of you, don/t stop fighting if you |
| Affidavits from a former supervisor, co-worker, friends, | | | | believe you are truly disabled and are being denied |
| and family members who can contribute to showing | | | | benefits. If you appeal an administrative law judge will |
| the limitations you've encountered at work and at | | | | make a decision on your case. |
| home because of the severity of your condition will be | | | | |