The Social Security Disability application process can be quite lengthy and complicated. Each claim is different depending on the circumstances and this can lead to a very involved claim. Many people find the process itself very intimidating and stressful.
In many cases, you may already be dealing with the stress and pain of your injury or sickness. With the added hassle of a long application process, it can be a daunting task. Your claim can take up to a year to complete even if you are approved the first time. Over 75% of claims are routinely rejected.
With the help of the best SSD Attorney Philadelphia has to offer, you can prepare for the claims process with confidence and an expert on your side. The more prepared you are during your application process, the higher your chances of approval will be. Take a look at the basics you should be covering in our SSD Application Checklist.
Disability Definition
To qualify for Social Security Benefits you must meet the proper requirements. The official Social Security definition of “disability” is the inability to work and engage in substantial gainful activity earning no more than $1090.00 per month. Other requirements are:
- You cannot perform normal work duties.
- You will not be able to adjust to a new occupation or training due to your medical condition.
- Your illness is expected to last over 1 year or is terminal.
Benefit Choices
There are two main categories of Social Security Benefits that you may be able to qualify under. The Social Security Insurance Benefit (SSI) is for anyone who has performed no work in 5 of the past 10 years. The Social Security Disability Insurance Benefit (SSDI) may cover those who have had some work in 5 of the past 10 years.
There are some other benefits that you may qualify for, including:
- SSA Compassionate Allowances – Terminal or permanent disabilities that carry automatic claim approvals
- SSA Medical Qualifications – Check the listing to see if your condition is covered
There are always exceptions for approval in various cases involving injuries to adults under the age of 24, blindness, wounded veterans, veteran surviving spouses, etc.
Documentation
The most common cause of application rejection is errors on the application. This can be anything from a misspelled word to a missing piece of documentation. The applications can be very involved and require special attention to get right. Each case may vary in the details, but each application will require the same information from all applicants.
- Birth certificate or proof of citizenship
- Marriage certificate or divorce papers
- Address and current contact information
- Email and cell phone numbers
- Social Security Number
- Name & birth date of your children
- Banking information
- Military service records
- Diplomas, degrees & certificates
- Employment and salary information
- Full history of injury
- All doctors and specialists records
- Prescription & other medication receipts
- SSD Medical Information Release Form
- Written references from witnesses to the injury or sickness
- X-Rays / MRI scans / bloodwork results
- Receipts for any medical equipment
- Copy of all medical bills
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