Have you suffered a severe health condition that is expected to continuously affect you for at least 12 months? Does the health condition prevent you from working or making a living? You may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits.
While your health condition may make your case seem straightforward, the application process isn’t as clear cut as many would like to believe. Millions of well-deserving applicants submit applications for SSDI benefits every year and many are denied. Those who decide to fight take months and even years going through the appeals process and some are still denied.
If you’re planning to make an application for SSDI, pay close attention to the following tips to increase your chances of success.
- Do your homework
Knowledge is power. Gain a better understanding of the process of applying for SSDI benefits. This is the best way to improve your chances for success. Find out what documents are needed and why some applications are denied.
- Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits
Before you submit your application, ensure that you actually qualify for the benefits. Go to the doctor and get detailed information about your condition. Will you be unable to work for 12 continuous months as a result of the condition? Ensure that you have sufficient medical evidence to support your application.
How long have you been working? Have you earned enough work credits from the tax you’ve paid? You must have earned not less than 20 credits in the 10 years prior to the disability. However, the specific number of credits also varies with age. Claimants above the age of 31 for example, should have at least 40 work credits.
- Include all debilitating medical conditions in your application
Listing a single debilitating condition often increases your chances of winning SSDI benefits. However, the SSA considers all your medical conditions to determine how capable you are to work. It is therefore best to include all and any debilitating conditions you are suffering in your application.
- Ask your doctor to complete the Residual Capacity Assessment forms
In addition to your medical records, you’ll need to submit a Residual Capacity Assessment, which shows just how your medical condition limits your ability to work. Ask your doctor to complete this for you.
- Hire an attorney
This is one of the most important things to do when making your application. An experienced SSDI attorney understands the application process and will guide you through it. This will help improve your chances of success.
