If you’re disabled due to an injury or illness, chances are your financial stability has suffered. Medical expenses combined with the cost of living can be devastating, particularly if you’re unable to work.
The Social Security Administration has disability programs in place to help you if you qualify. These programs can offer financial support when you really need it. You’ll need to complete the necessary forms and documentation when applying for disability.
Documenting Your Disability
First, it’s important to remember that if you become disabled, you should obtain the documents and information you’ll need when you apply for disability. This includes:
- Any medical documentation or evidence concerning the illness or injury which led to your disability. This may include the terms of all of your medical conditions, dates of diagnoses, your medical records, reports from doctors, and documentation of test results, surgeries, and procedures.
- It can also help to speed up the process if you have your doctors’ contact information and contact information for anyone else who can vouch for your disability. This can include a social worker, or friends or family.
- Your social security number information and that of your qualifying family. This is because your family may be entitled to dependent benefits, depending on your particular circumstances.
- Your original birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship
- Any U.S. discharge papers if you were in the military before 1968
- Your W-2 forms or tax returns for the last year. Your financial information helps the SSA to identify your need based on your economic situation.
- Pay stubs, settlement agreements, award letters, or proof of temporary or permanent workers’ compensation or similar benefits you’ve received
- Your bank account number so that you’re able to receive direct deposit of your disability
Get Help for the Application Process
Applying for disability can be an overwhelming task. While you can try to apply alone, you may find the help of a disability attorney invaluable. They can help you through the process and increase your chances of an approval.
An attorney who specializes in disability claims is experienced and understands the workings of the process. Many applications are initially denied. If this happens to you, it’s important to remember that time is of the essence. A disability attorney can be the advocate you need to help your claim be on the fast track to an approval.
