Injuries and falling prey to illness are heartbreaking situations. These unfortunate circumstances may also make continuing to work impossible.
The financial strain that comes with losing a steady income can be devastating. Thankfully, the government offers relief by way of Social Security Disability benefits. For application acceptance, you must provide a raft of documentation.
Citizenship status
Authorities must see your birth certificate or other evidence showing you are American. Copies are not adequate; you must produce originals. Anyone living here who is from another country needs to show U.S. citizenship or legal alien status.
Tax status
Be sure to bring tax returns from the previous year to your appointment. These could be W-2s or self-employment forms.
Medical status
Benefits reviewers will want to know everything about your physical condition. Have doctor reports, test results and medical analyses in your possession. You should also have a completed Adult Disability Report in hand. This form stretches nearly 15 pages long. Because of this, it may be best to break its completion into several sessions. Be sure to use blue or black ink when filling it out.
Military status
Those with military experience dating back before 1968 must come with discharge papers. If you no longer have yours, request a replacement through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Compensation status
You may already be the recipient of workers’ compensation benefits. Be ready with any proof of settlement agreements. Examples include pay stubs and award letters.
Collect paperwork ahead of meeting with a Social Security Disability specialist. Arriving prepared speeds up the process and improves the odds of application approval.
