Social Security Disability Application Tips
If you become unable to work due to either a mental or physical disability, filing for your Social Security benefits becomes necessary. It can be a very challenging and intimidating process to begin. Only about 30% of initial applicants are approved for disability. Here are some tips for filing your initial application:
Submit Plenty of Medical Evidence
You will need to clearly show that your disability has or is expected to last twelve months or result in death. You will not need to physically submit these records yourself, but you will need to have a detailed list of all medical providers you have seen and any hospitals you have visited since your disability began.
Pay Close Attention to the Application
The applications for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) can be long and confusing. It is very important to make sure you are spelling everything correctly, particularly the names of hospitals and doctors that you have seen. It is also very important to fill out every field in the application and be as specific as possible when describing anything resulting from your disability. Even if a field is irrelevant to your claim, write N/A in that field.
Be VERY Careful if Working While Your Claim is Being Processed
If at all possible, do not work while your claim is being processed. But if you must work, be aware of the amount you can earn per month to maintain eligibility. With an SSI claim, you will be ineligible for any benefits if you earn over $735 per month, before any taxes or deductions are taken out. With an SSDI claim, you will be ineligible for any benefits if you earn over $1,170 per month, before any taxes or deductions are taken out. This includes any self-employment income as well. If you are earning above these amounts, the SSA will deny your claim, not matter how disabling your condition is.
Do Not File for Unemployment While Your Claim is Being Processed
When you file for unemployment, you sign a form stating that you are out of work, but are looking for a job and want to find employment. When you file for SSI or SSDI, you are saying that you are completely unable to work.
For more information on Social Security disability benefits, contact an experienced attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. has been helping Social Security claimants with their disability claims for over 50 years.