1) GO TO THE DOCTOR.
We always suggest you have a treating physician or be receiving treatment from a clinic. You can try low cost clinics such as the Mobile County Health Department, Franklin Primary Health Centers, Victory Health Partners, AltaPointe Mental Health, Southwest Alabama Mental Health, and other surrounding clinics associated with USA Health Systems. Some of these facilities partner with other physicians’ groups to provide low cost and affordable care to those without income and insurance. It is imperative that you are getting treatment in order to document your disabilities whether physical or mental.
2) TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS PROPERLY.
If you have seizures or diabetes or other illnesses that can be controlled by medications and you have an episode, your medical records and labs are going to reflect whether you were or were not compliant and why those episodes occurred. This can impact your claim for disability. It is important that you take your medications as directed by your practitioner or physician.
3) OPTIONS IF YOU CAN NOT AFFORD YOUR MEDICATIONS.
I understand when someone files for disability that they may lose their income and many times are without insurance, but discuss options with your doctors for generics and samples. Additionally, inquire about programs like pparx.org or Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy. Medication is available in many areas at little or no cost. Ozanam helps those in Mobile and Baldwin Counties and some surrounding areas. You can find out if they are able to help you by contacting 251-432-4111. In Mississippi, St. Vincent de Paul helps in Hattiesburg & Biloxi. You can contact the pharmacy there via 228-374-9097.
4) DISCUSS DISABILITY WITH YOUR PRACTITIONER/DOCTOR/THERAPIST.
You should discuss with your doctor or nurse practitioner that you have filed for disability. The SSA office will request records or if you have an attorney/representative they will request records and possibly request a statement or form from your physician about your ability to work. So, it is also important to discuss the fact you are filing for disability with your doctor/nurse/therapist, etc.
5) GET A REPRESENTATIVE OR ATTORNEY TO ASSIST YOU.
You do not have to have an attorney or non-attorney representative to assist you, but generally this is in your best interest. I am a non-attorney representative, which means I have been approved by the Social Security Administration to represent claimants in a Social Security claim. If you have filed for Social Security disability benefits you may have additional questions regarding filing your claim. Please call one of the experienced disability representatives at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation. Gardberg & Kemmerly specialize in helping the injured and disabled.