There are three ways to file for Social Security Disability benefits. You can apply over the phone with the Social Security Administration. You can apply in person at your local Social Security office. Finally, you can apply online at the Social Security Administration’s website. However you choose to apply, you must realize that you will be facing a long process that will require an extensive amount of paperwork and patience.
The Social Security Administration will require you to fill out a number of different questionnaires throughout the process. For example, you will need to fill out a questionnaire about your activities of daily living. Essentially, in this questionnaire, the Social Security Administration will ask you about your daily life. In doing so, they are looking to find out the degree to which you are limited by your disabilities. It is important to be honest, but also not to overstate you abilities. If you are only able to do tasks such as cooking or cleaning for a limited period of time, be sure to specify that this is the case. You will also be asked to return a questionnaire about your work history. It is important that you accurately answer the questions about your past work and about the lifting and standing requirements. Inaccurate answers can hurt your claim and unreturned questionnaires can delay the process or, ultimately, make a judge believe that you have not been compliant.
In addition to filling out forms, the Social Security Administration will want copies of your medical records. It is important that you accurately identify your providers and treatment dates. Social Security will also likely ask you to attend what is known as a consultative examination. A consultative examination is an evaluation by a medical provider that is arranged by Social Security. It is extremely important that you attend.
A skilled disability attorney or disability law firm can help you with the application process. They will be familiar with the process and can assist you in submitting medical records and information to the Social Security Administration, which is critical to keeping your claim on track.
