Overwhelmed With Social Security Disability Paperwork? Keefe Disability Law Can Help With Your SSDI Application
Securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits involves completing and submitting a significant amount of paperwork. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very strict requirements, and even small oversights can derail the process of applying for SSDI. In addition to the SSDI application form, the SSA also calls for documentation outlining work history and medical records to support your disability claim. Turn to the experienced legal team at Keefe Disability Law for help. We can guide you throughout this process and help you avoid common mistakes.
Filling Out Substantial SSDI Application Forms
One of the most trying aspects of the Social Security disability application process is completing all the required forms. Form SSA-16 is the main application for disability insurance benefits. It starts with asking for basic information like your full name and Social Security number. Then, it moves on to employment history, pension entitlements, and other much more detailed information.
To apply for SSDI, you will also need to submit other paperwork and supporting documentation. It’s not enough to send in application Form SSA-16 on its own. Among the documents you may need to provide to the SSA as part of your application are:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Self-employment earnings and tax returns, if applicable
- Adult Disability Report
- Supporting medical evidence, like test results and doctor’s letters
- Detailed work history and employment records, including pay stubs
- Forms confirming any Medicare or Supplementary Security Income benefits
- The name, date of birth, and SSN of your spouse, if married
- Names of unmarried children less than 18 years old
- Whether you expect to receive workers’ compensation or plan to file for it
While completing the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire is considered optional and voluntary, applicants who do not submit this form are often denied disability benefits. Discuss this form with your Social Security disability attorney for how it may apply in your particular case.
People With Disabilities May Struggle With SSDI Paperwork
Applicants with certain disabilities may find the SSDI application process especially challenging. If you have a medical condition that interferes with concentration and memory, completing and collecting all the necessary paperwork can be difficult. Disabilities that impact motor function, vision, and energy levels can also be obstacles.
Asking a knowledgeable SSDI lawyer to help with your SSDI application can reduce some of these concerns. If you are unsure about any questions, do not leave them blank. Your attorney can look into your case and help you find an appropriate answer to provide the SSA.
Completeness and Accuracy Are Critical
The Social Security Administration denies over three-quarters of SSDI claims initially. People who choose to apply on their own may not have full knowledge of the requirements or fail to provide the correct paperwork as part of their application. To improve your chances of SSDI approval, it’s crucial to submit an application that is as complete and accurate as possible.
The SSA denies many applications due to a lack of medical evidence. Especially if your medical condition is not listed in the SSA Blue Book, a basic diagnosis may be insufficient. The SSA wants to see proof that the disability prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Including secondary conditions can strengthen your SSDI claim, as they can help paint a fuller picture of how your disabilities impact your ability to work.
Technical errors and omissions account for many denials, too. It’s easy to overlook common mistakes when there is this much paperwork involved. Vigilance is crucial, going through every form and document with a fine-toothed comb.
Social Security Requests for Additional Information
After you submit your application for disability benefits, the SSA may follow up later to ask for more information. It’s vital to respond to these requests in a timely manner and adhere to any strict deadlines they may have. If you take too long, the SSA may simply deny your claim, and you’ll need to file for an appeal.
You may feel stressed or anxious while waiting for the SSA to decide on your SSDI application. On average, this can take anywhere from three to five months. Your local office reviews your employment status before passing it on to Disability Determination Services for a thorough review. At that time, they may ask for an impartial medical exam to support your claim.
Enlist the Help of a Social Security Disability Lawyer
The rules surrounding Social Security disability benefits are detailed and complicated. They can also be nuanced, especially in the case of appeals at Social Security hearings. A Social Security disability lawyer can prove invaluable throughout this process.
Here at Keefe Disability Law, we’ve been serving clients in Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire for nearly two decades. We have a proven track record and in-depth knowledge of Social Security. Our legal team can help you collect the necessary records and fill out any paperwork for your SSDI application, meticulously checking every detail to bolster your claim for benefits.
