Applying for Social Security Disability: Before, During, and After

The process of applying for Social Security Disability or SSI can be a complicated one. Someone applying for disability may wonder what they need to focus on while completing their application, while waiting for a decision, or even what to do after they have been approved. Here are some tips for a disability or SSI applicant that may help the process go a bit more smoothly.

1) BEFORE

While you are preparing to submit an application, there are three important factors to consider. First, focus on building a strong medical history. Social Security relies heavily on medical records and related documentation. It is important to have seen a supportive doctor for a long period of time. More than one doctor can be helpful too, especially if the other physicians are specialists. Make sure you have documentation to show a steady history of your disability from the date you believe your disability began. If you have not been seeing a doctor, start now. Do not wait for Social Security to set up a "consultative exam" with one of their doctors, as that situation is usually not very helpful to your claim. So tip #1: build a strong medical history.

The second recommendation is to keep a record of your work history. Keep a log of your employer's name, phone number, address, the dates you worked, your duties, any difficulties you had in fulfilling those duties, and why your employment was terminated. This information will be helpful later on.

Third, prepare for a long process. Your financial situation will likely become strained before you are finally approved for disability, and you may need help from friends or family. If you have no medical insurance, you may have to ask for assistance in affording medications and doctor visits. If you are approved for disability or SSI quickly, wonderful! If you are like most disability applicants, however, you may wait years to see your disability check. Just prepare yourself in whatever way you can.

2) DURING

Once you have submitted your application, continue to see your doctor(s) and gather your medical records and other evidence for Social Security. Make copies of everything, and include as much detailed information as possible. Report changes in medications, and continue to submit evidence as it comes. Notify Social Security if your situation becomes life-threating or extremely dire, as your claim may be expedited. Make copies of eviction notices and other such urgent matters and send them to Social Security. Keep documentation of conversations with Social Security workers and file away all paperwork you receive. Remember, with thousands of other applicants going through the process with you, you may have to be assertive to make sure your disability claim is considered properly.

If you decide to hire a disability lawyer, ask around and do your research. Disability lawyers basically charge the same fees, but the service can vary considerably. The most important point in the process is the hearing level, at which point many applicants decide to hire representation. If you decide to represent yourself, be familiar with your medical records and daily activities. At the hearing, be cautious but honest in your answers.

3) AFTER

If you are denied, appeal, appeal, appeal. That is all you can do, and it is very common.

If you are approved, however, there will probably be a wait before you start to receive your disability checks. Your Medicaid benefits will also come later. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this wait. But once you do receive your disability or SSI benefits, be careful about working too many hours. If you work, you may not earn over Social Security's SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limits. If you do earn over the limits, Social Security may terminate your disability benefits and make you pay back the benefits you did receive (during the months you exceeded SGA). At that point, it will be very hard to be approved for disability again.

Wherever you are in the disability process, best of luck.