| iv id="body"> | | | | disability for a long time, or are embarrassed or too |
| Filing for Social Security disability benefits is usually a | | | | proud to speak of their condition, may have their claim |
| lengthy process. It may take up to two years for a | | | | denied because they don't give the SSA enough |
| claim to reach the hearing stage, if it reaches this | | | | information. On the other hand, some exaggerate their |
| stage at all. In reality, the Social Security Administration | | | | condition to improve their chances for an SSDI award. |
| (SSA) denies two-thirds of all initial SSDI applications. | | | | However, this can backfire. If you use a wheelchair at |
| However, there are certain things you can do to | | | | your hearing but don't normally use one, the judge may |
| improve your chances of receiving your benefits. By | | | | inspect the wheelchair for wear and tear, or notice |
| following this advice, you can avoid common mistakes | | | | that the wheels or seat look brand new, and deny |
| and receive a favorable SSDI decision in less time. | | | | your claim. It's important to provide details about your |
| Be Prepared | | | | disability, but don't exaggerate. |
| Being prepared and knowing what to expect during | | | | To receive SSDI benefits, you also need to be specific |
| the SSDI application process can increase your | | | | and truthful about your work history. If you previously |
| chances of receiving an SSDI award. Before the | | | | worked in retail, as a server, or in another job where |
| claims process begins, be sure to gather all important | | | | you have to stand for lengthy periods and you can't |
| documents and information such as updated medical | | | | stand that long anymore, definitely write that down. |
| records, an accurate work history and all W2 forms. | | | | Accurately demonstrating that you can't perform this |
| This information is crucial. | | | | work is a critical component of having your SSDI claim |
| The SSA has a very specific evaluation process to | | | | approved. For example, if your job requires you to |
| determine if an individual is eligible for SSDI benefits. To | | | | stand for up to six hours a day and you can't stand |
| receive benefits, you must not be "gainfully employed," | | | | for more than 30 minutes, make this clear on your |
| which means making more than $1,000 a month (in | | | | SSDI application. |
| 2010). Your condition must be severe enough to | | | | Know Deadlines, Get Help and Don't Give Up |
| interfere with basic work activities, which can range | | | | There is a formal appeals process at each level of the |
| from things like standing and sitting for extended | | | | SSDI application process. If you are rejected at any |
| periods, to heavy lifting and repetitive motion. Your | | | | level, you only have 60 days to appeal to the next |
| condition must be on the SSA's list of disabling | | | | level. Miss the deadline and you'll have to start the |
| conditions, and your disability must have lasted, or is | | | | application process all over again. |
| expected to last, for at least one year or result in | | | | Consider getting help from a professional |
| death. You also must not be able to do the type of | | | | representative. The SSDI process is long and difficult |
| work you used to do before your disability, and are | | | | and most applicants can benefit from an experienced |
| unable to perform any other type of work. | | | | professional. Representation can greatly increase your |
| Accurately Describe Your Disability and Work History | | | | chances of having your SSDI claim approved. |
| Be ready to discuss your disability in specific terms. | | | | Finally, don't give up. Yes, the SSDI application process |
| Don't exaggerate--or underestimate--your condition. | | | | can be long, but if you follow this advice, you will have |
| Many people underestimate how their disability affects | | | | a better chance of being awarded the SSDI benefits |
| their lives. Some applicants who have lived with their | | | | you deserve. |