If you have Parkinson’s disease and can’t work because of your condition you should file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. Disability benefits are money that is given to people who are sick and can’t work to help them pay for living costs like housing and food and medical care that isn’t covered by insurance.
When you file a claim for Social Security disability benefits you will need to submit copies of all of your medical records and financial information in order for your claim to be approved. As part of your application you will need to have copies of these documents.
Back to topMedical Documents Needed in Your Application
After it’s proven that you can’t work for at least a year because you have Parkinson’s disease you will need to produce copies of many medical records and documents to prove that you have Parkinson’s and that you can’t work.
The first thing that you will need to have is a summary list of all the doctors that you have seen for your condition as well as their names, addresses, and phone numbers. After that you will need a copy of your Parkinson’s diagnosis and any notes where the doctor wrote down or discussed your symptoms.
Treatment plans and orders for lab work also should be included with your documents along with a list of all the prescription medicines that you take.
If you have a home caregiver, a case worker, an advocate, or anyone else that can provide testimony about your ability to function and work or how the Parkinson’s has impacted your life you can submit statements from them also.
Back to topOther Information You’ll Need
You will need to submit your financial records and information with your claim for disability benefits also. In order to prove that you were working full time before the Parkinson’s made it impossible for you to work you will have to submit your latest W-2 or your federal tax return if you were self employed.
Additionally you will need to provide a list with the names, addresses and phone numbers of any companies that you worked for. And you will also need copies of your Social Security cards and either a baptismal certificate or a birth certificate.
How A Social Security Attorney Can Help You With Your Application
The process of filing a Social Security disability claim can be difficult and confusing, especially if you are suffering from cognitive impairment. You should work with an attorney that specializes in Social Security disability claims because that attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a claim.
The attorney can also help you organize your medical documentation and financial documentation so that your application for benefits is complete when you turn it in.
If your claim is denied the attorney can fight for you at an appeals hearing which will increase your changes of getting the denial overturned and getting your claim for benefits approved. A Social Security disability lawyer works on contingency which means the attorney won’t get paid until your claim is approved.
Back to topAdditional Resources
- Parkinson's Disease and Social Security Disability
- Medical Criteria Needed to Qualify with Parkinson’s Disease
- Permanent Restrictions After Parkinson’s
- Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month
