You hope the time never comes, but there may be a point in your life when you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
While it’s nice to know that this system is available to you, there’s no guarantee that you’ll move through the process and begin to receive compensation in a timely manner.
Fortunately, when you answer the right questions up front, it’s much easier to put yourself on the path to success. Here are a few questions you should address:
- Do you have medical evidence? You can’t apply for Social Security Disability benefits without this. You must be able to prove that you’re disabled, and that’s where medical evidence comes into play.
- When should you apply for Social Security disability benefits? It’s a common mistake to wait before applying for benefits, as you hope that your condition improves and you’re able to return to work in the near future. Don’t make this mistake. It’s better to apply for benefits the second you realize that you have to stop work. If you wait too long, you could miss your window, thus missing out on a lot of money that was rightfully owed to you.
- Are you tracking your condition? With so much on your plate, it’s easy to overlook the importance of this step. However, you should keep a basic journal for tracking your condition, focusing on things such as: symptoms, pain, medication side effects, things you can and can’t do and the overall impact on your life.
- Do you understand how a consultative exam works? It’s likely that the Social Security Department will send you for a consultative exam. They want to double check that what you’re telling them is true. The doctor will observe you throughout your entire appointment, so don’t do anything to give them the impression that you’re not injured and/or ill.
If you have any reason to believe that you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, don’t hesitate to file a claim and move through the process to the best of your ability.
Should you receive a denial letter, don’t stop there. You have legal rights and you should protect them at all costs.