Things You Can Do to Help in Your Social Security Disability Claim
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Filing a successful Social Security Disability Insurance Claim is hard, but there are several things you can do to improve your chances of approval. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sees thousands of claims every year and is strict about only accepting fully completed applications.
Knowing how you can be proactive in helping your claim advance is essential not only to achieve a successful outcome but for you and your family members’ peace of mind.
Follow these tips to improve your claim application and qualify for social security benefits faster.
Compile a Timeline and Essential Medical Records
Compile a timeline of all events that led to your disability claim, including the date of your injury and the last day you could work. Also, gather all information about your medical condition as it relates to your injury, from initial X-rays to any medications you regularly take as a result.
Gather Your Previous Employment Data
Gather information on all previous employment within the past 15 years, including what duties you performed for each position. You can use this information to identify those tasks you can no longer do because of the injury, which is necessary for your disability claim. Also, compile information on past income and resources.
The SSA also factors earned Social Security work credits and any award granted into your claim when applying for disability benefits. Those age 18, for example, will have earned fewer credits than those nearing retirement age.
Stay Aware of Filing Deadlines
Stay aware of filing dates for all things relating to your claim, such as a Request for Hearing or an Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report. You don’t want to miss any of the critical deadlines outlined by SSA disability programs. Working with an experienced disability attorney can help you make sure you submit all your paperwork on time.
Work with a Specialized Social Security Disability Attorney
Working with a specialized Social Security Disability Attorney with experience in filing claims will benefit you over the long- and short-term. Besides knowing the specific laws surrounding these benefits, the lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., are familiar with your local social security office and how it works best.
When you first meet with your attorney, bring your injury timeline, medical records, and employment data for review. This helps your lawyer determine if you qualify for benefits quickly.
Your attorney can also help with applying for other benefits in addition to disability, such as Supplemental Security Income, SSI, if eligible.
Continue Attending Medical Appointments
Even once you have filed your disability claim, you need to continue to attend any necessary medical appointments and comply with all recommended treatments. The SSA and corresponding Administrative Law Judge in your case will want to see that you’ve continued to attempt to resolve any impairments.
Contact Michigan-Based Social Security Disability Attorneys
With proactive assistance, you can file your claim and receive social security benefits without wasting valuable time and improve your approval chances. The legal team at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., can guide you through this process. Call our toll-free number 1-866-MICH-LAW to get started today. For anyone deaf or hard of hearing who needs a TTY number, please contact us online first to schedule your free consultation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
