If you have a serious or possibly terminal disability or disease and have been recently engaged in full time employment over a lengthy period, you could be eligible for federal Social Security benefits (SSDI).
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal body that oversees SSDI applications and determines whether an applicant meets the criteria for benefits. You can help to reduce the uncertainty over an SSDI application by using an experienced SSA attorney to assist with the documentation you need to submit with a disability application.
Criteria for Applying for SSDI Benefits
There are several criteria used to determine eligibility for SSDI benefits, but the two most important are work credits and the status of the applicant’s medical disability. The SSA maintains a list of known and recognized physical and mental disabilities, but only considers those applicants whose disability is considered serious enough not to work for at least the next 12 months. End state renal disease, for example, is highly likely to meet the medical disability criterion by the SSA.
The other important criterion for assessment is whether the applicant has been in full time work for long enough to have amassed sufficient work credits. These are obtained through paying Social Security insurance.
Medical Documents Needed in Your Application
The SSA is dependent on reports and evidence from medical professionals who have been dealing directly with your renal disease and who know what it means in terms of a disability. You will need to supply the following documentation with your application:
- A diagnosis of your medical condition by a specialist, or your own doctor, who is familiar with your current medical status
- Details of your medical history leading up to the diagnosis of renal disease and subsequent attempts at treatment
- Names and contact details of any medical professional who has been personally involved in your diagnosis and treatment
- Dates of attendance at medical facilities, including reasons for attendance
- Names and locations of anywhere you have attended for treatment of your disease
- Informed opinion about your ability to work in the future
Other Information You’ll Need
You will need to provide basic i.d. such as your birth certificate and Social Security number. For assessment of work credits, supply the following documentation:
- Most recent W-2 form (if employed)
- most recent tax returns (if self-employed)
- Work history over the last few years
- Main occupation or type of employment
The SSA may also want to know when you stopped working and whether this happened as a result of a developing health problem and diagnosis of renal disease.
How a Social Security Attorney Can Help You with Your Application
An experienced SSA attorney can help you cope with an SSDI application much better. If at any stage your application is denied, an SSA attorney should help with legal assistance and represent you in an appeal.
