10 Ways To Help Win Your Social Security Disability Benefits Claim

[Guest guest]

10 Ways To Help Win Your Social Security Disability Benefits Claim

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/19/prweb8075446.DTL

1. See a doctor regularly

The best thing you can do for your case is keep your medical records consistent

and up to date. When Social Security (or an Administrative Law Judge) reviews

your claim, these records are the most important factor in their decision, so

see your doctor often and keep him or her informed on your conditions. If you

can't afford a doctor, we have a list of no/low cost medical resources by state:

www.socialsecuritylaw.com/help-center/

2. Comply with your doctor's orders

It is important that you comply with the treatments that your doctors prescribe

for your conditions. If you refuse to take medications or follow other

prescribed methods of recovery, Social Security is likely to think that your

actions are keeping your conditions from improving. By following all of your

doctor's orders, you show Social Security that you are doing everything in your

power to help your condition improve.

3. Make sure that your lawyer gets your medical records

As previously said, a solid medical history is the best thing for your Social

Security case. Medical records are what make up this history, and therefore it

is extremely important that you inform your attorney when there are new records

to collect. It is also important for your lawyer to know when you are going to

the doctor, as they may have forms or questionnaires for your doctor to complete

regarding your case.

4. Refrain from drug and alcohol abuse

Social Security no longer pays benefits if drugs or alcohol are contributing

factors to a disability. Your case will be denied by Social Security if your

medical records show that you have abused drugs or alcohol. If you have used

drugs or alcohol in the past, it is important that your medical records show

that you have stopped.

5. Be detailed on your applications and paperwork

It is extremely important for your Social Security paperwork to include a very

detailed description of how your disability affects your day to day activities.

For example, you would not want to fill out a report by saying " I watch TV all

day, " because Social Security will say " If you can sit and watch TV for 8 hours

a day, you can sit and answer phones at a job for 8 hours a day. " Rather, you

would want to explain how long you can sit in one place before having to

readjust, stand up or lay down.

6. Keep in contact with your lawyers and the Social Security Administration

Every day, Social Security denies applications for benefits because they are not

able to find the applicant. If you move or change your phone number, it is

important that you give the new information to Social Security. In the same

regard, it is important that your lawyer knows how to get a hold of you, as they

may have forms you need to complete or update information on your claim.

7. Comply with Social Security's requests

Through the decision process, Social Security makes many requests of applicants.

It is important that you fill out any paperwork and go to any exams that they

request you to go to. If you do not, you may be denied benefits for

non-compliance.

8. Keep an eye on your earnings

Social Security has very specific qualifications that must be adhered to in

order to qualify for benefits, and the monthly earnings limit is one of the most

important. When you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, this

limit is called SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). For 2011 the limits are as

follows:

Non-Blind Individual = $1,000

Blind Individual = $1,640

If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits, the amount

differs depending on marital status and state of residency.

9. Write your local congressman

This is a good time to call in the artillery. You elected them, now use them.

Write your local congressman a letter outlining your situation and they may make

an inquiry about your case to Social Security. While a letter from a congressman

cannot influence the decision on your social security claim, it may speed up the

process (especially in dire need situations).

10. Don't give up

Receiving social security benefits is a long and difficult process. Denial rates

are high and the majority of cases will not be resolved until an Administrative

Law Judge hearing.

SSDI Benefits

Monthly cash benefit checks, with an average monthly check of $500-$2000

Medicare benefits after 1 year wait period

[Guest guest]

....if you are under 65 years old and receiving SSDI the Medicare benefit

typically kicks in after 24 months, not 1 year.

Clyde