How to File for Disability Benefits

Getting Disability The First Time

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• medical records

1. Have patience. If you file too soon you will automatically be denied and that means appeals and even longer wait times. Do not rely on Social Security to help determine disability. This lengthens the process considerable.

2. Get all your medical records together. Take everything as far as it can go. if you need to see a specialist do so. Get a firm diagnosis and a doctor willing to sign off that you are indeed disabled.

3. Know what is in your records. You have to be aware and knowledgeable yourself before you can apply.

4. Show a decreasing or struggling work history associated with your illness or disability. Also show that you have attempted to obtain work, receive training and have been unable to obtain the necessary training or work. It works to your advantage if you have training for example in office work but cannot get to work or can no longer maintain a sitting or stationary job as well as being unable to handle other harder work.

5. Get the application. You can order one over the phone. Fill everything out honestly and completely. Include records, statements and other data with the application. Then submit

6. An interview will be arranged. Answer honestly. Depending on your assets and finances provided you have a qualifying disability this should be all you need to get approved on your first application

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure everything is neat, readable and that you have copies of everything
• record who you talk to, when and what was discussed.
• follow up regularly
• This is not a guarantee. However, following these steps greatly increases your chances of obtaining approval provided you have a qualified disability. There are some conditions which may not be considered disabling during certain stages especially if there is treatment.

[poetkelly]

on 11/16/2009 Actually, this probably won't be all you need to get approved on your application. Only about 35 % of all applications are initially approved. Even if you do all these things, chances are you will be denied and have to request a review. About 10 % of all cases are approved on review. The majority then have to appeal before finally being approved.