If you are disabled and unable to work, receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can make a difficult situation a little easier. After all, financial obligations do not cease with one’s ability to work. Knowing what you are eligible to receive in the way of benefits is an important step and one with which, as a law firm, we have helped New Jersey residents for over twenty years. While many choose to start the process themselves, the application process can be confusing and even a bit overwhelming. Which is why we work so hard to help our clients through the process from beginning to end. To help you get started, we’ve outlined the process and what you can expect to supply with your application.
First, familiarize yourself with the checklist of information provided by the Social Security Administration. This list is primarily for your work history and the details of your account. It does also list that you will need medical information, which we will cover separately below. You will need to have the information on this list at hand when you complete the application.
Second, you will need to fill out the SSI disability application itself. You can do this online, or in person at your local Social Security Administration office. From there, once you have completed the application, you will receive a confirmation. Social Security will review the application and you will be contacted if more information is needed. Usually the additional information required is medical in nature. You do not have to delay submitting your application because you do not have the medical paperwork. It is better to start the process and continue gathering the medical information for your case.
Third, you will need to provide your medical records pertaining to your disability. This will include recent test and lab results, and any treatment regimens prescribed by your doctors. The documentation you submit should detail your diagnosis, symptoms, prognosis, when your symptoms began, how they have progressed, and ways in which they limit your activities.
When filling out the application, always include all of your mental and physical conditions, even those which you think do not directly pertain to your disability. The combination of your various conditions could have an effect on your residual functional capacity, resulting in a determination of disability benefits. The more evidence you provide, the more likely you are to receive benefits.
Once Social Security has copies of all of the paperwork described here, they will evaluate your claim and you will be sent a determination. If your claim is denied you are entitled to appeal. Many find the appeals process much easier with representation and we have helped many families in the Newark area get the SSDI benefits they need to cover their financial obligations. To see how we might be able to help you, see our website for more details.
