| It is an unwritten rule and remains a good advice that in | | | | are denied up to 70% of the time which only prove |
| case of disability or inability to work, Social Security | | | | that it is wise to go through the process with proper |
| disability or SSI based on disability claims must be | | | | representation otherwise you will be left clueless of the |
| pursued without any delay. This is because most | | | | procedure. |
| claims can take a while to process. | | | | More over, Social Security claims entail a lot of paper |
| In fact, many claimants for disability benefits have | | | | works. Give your self the favor of taking some advice |
| encountered serious problems and difficulty simply | | | | and finding qualified assistance immediately. Studies |
| because they had no knowledge on how long the | | | | show that a considerable number of persons who |
| process would be. Consequently, they end up finding | | | | apply for benefits fail to complete their paperwork |
| out that it was too late for them to file their | | | | properly. |
| applications. | | | | Medical Records |
| Who are Qualified | | | | Social Security Disability or SSI claim will be evaluated |
| A person is permitted to collect Social Security | | | | entirely on the basis of your medical records. Having |
| Disability (SSD) benefits when he/she can no longer | | | | said so, the best advice is to secure a regular, ongoing |
| perform "substantial gainful activity" due to a physical | | | | medical treatment. The purpose of this is to entitle the |
| or mental impairment that is expected to last for at | | | | claimant for continuing benefits. |
| least 12 months, or possibly result in death. | | | | Otherwise, the examiner or judge will not be able to |
| Denial of Initial Claim | | | | approve your claim if appropriate medical records are |
| In case of denial of the Initial Claim, it is a wise step to | | | | not available to support the claim. |
| get an attorney to provide representation and help you | | | | Moreover, it would be easier to procure supporting |
| with your claim for back pay. All appeals for disability | | | | statements from the examiner. Otherwise, it will be |
| must be filed within 60 days from the receipt of the | | | | hard to get the physician to cooperate if he/she has |
| last denial. | | | | rarely seen the claimant. |
| The way the disability system works, a claim will either | | | | The general rule is claim for social security disability or |
| be approved on an initial application or will be required | | | | SSI based on disability cannot be approved if you are |
| to follow the appeal process. Ideally, the claimant must | | | | not examined by a medical provider at least once |
| be represented in either way. | | | | every two months. |
| Representation is not mandatory however, initial claims | | | | |