You must have a solid understanding of social security disability benefits if you are ever to be approved for them. If you do not understand the program’s structure, it will be difficult for you to make a case for getting benefits. This is especially true if you are just starting the process of applying for social security disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency that provides a wide range of social insurance benefits for those who qualify. Social security disability, or SSDI claims are designed to help those people who have lost their jobs due to a severe medical condition or become disabled in their careers. This is how to begin the social security disability application process.
Gather Evidence
The first step in the application process is gathering evidence that will prove your disability. The SSA requires documentation that shows why you cannot work. This may include a doctor’s note, medical records, and a letter from your employer or former employer. This documentation should be as complete as possible, and it should be dated within six months of the date you file for SSDI benefits. Evidence may also include a letter from your physician, a physical therapy note from your therapist, or a doctor note explaining why you cannot work.
Provide Well-Crafted Legal Briefs
After you have gathered your evidence, you should begin drafting a well-crafted legal brief. You must include a cover letter with your application, and you should follow the directions included with the application. The SSA requires that your legal brief be written clearly and concisely. It must address all of the questions on the application form, including those that are not marked as “yes” or “no.” When creating your legal brief, be sure to address all of the questions on the application form.
Filing Documents With the Social Security Office
Documents needed to file with the SSA should be mailed directly to the social security office. This office will send your documents back to you, and they will be sent on to a regional office as well. The regional office will review your records, and they will determine whether or not you have a valid claim for SSDI benefits. It is necessary to send all of your documents to the social security office within 60 days of your application. If you do not file your documents within this time frame, you risk losing your claim for benefits.
If you have been denied benefits, you should contact a social security attorney to help you appeal the decision. Social security attorneys can help you gather more evidence and explain the process of appealing this sort of decision.
Author information: Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
