The Social Security Administration (SSA) is notorious for taking a long time to process paperwork and forcing applicants to jump through bureaucratic hoops. Even those with severe or terminal illnesses may find that the SSA denies their initial application, making them wait for benefits and forcing them through a lengthy and stressful appeals process.
Sometimes, an applicant truly doesn’t qualify for benefits. Many other times, they make mistakes in their paperwork or documentation. The Disability Report Form is one of the most crucial parts of your application. Many people in need of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will get help with this form, as it is critical to the approval of their claims.
What does the Disability Report Form require?
When you fill out the Disability Report Form, the goal is to demonstrate that you have one or more medical conditions that limit your independent living ability or potential for remaining gainfully employed. You will generally need to provide diagnostic information and details about your employment history.
Having adequate detail and being specific and precise in your language is key to a successful application. It can be hard for someone who has never interacted with the SSA to understand what kind of language to use and how best to represent their experiences in the limited space available on the Disability Report Form.
Professionals familiar with the SSA application process know the kind of language and documentation that is necessary for getting benefits. Changing the way that you word things and including enough supporting evidence can greatly increase your odds of getting the benefits you need.
Mistakes in your paperwork could mean waiting a year or longer for benefits
If you make a mistake on your disability report form, you still have rights. You have the option of appealing the denial and submitting more information about your medical condition and work situation. If your appeal is successful, the SSA will likely award you benefits going back to when you initially qualified or applied.
However, you will still have to wait months, if not a year or longer, for an appeal to resolve. Avoiding mistakes by partnering with a professional early on will reduce the risk of mistakes and streamline the process of getting SDDI benefits.