Tips for Applying for Social Security Disability
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is often a frustrating and time-consuming process. The overwhelming majority of applicants are denied benefits at the initial stage of application, and in most cases it takes months, or even years, before a claimant is finally awarded the disability benefits that they rightfully deserve.
Approaching the Social Security Disability application process with full preparation and a complete understanding of the requirements of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and state-run Disability Determination Services (DDS) is extremely important, and will help to ensure that your case is handled as efficiently and accurately as possible.
To help potential claimants better prepare for the disability application process, we have gathered the following 10 tips for applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Please click on any of the following disability tips for more detailed information on the subject:
Tip 1: Understand the Social Security Disability Application Process.
Tip 2: Be Prepared When Filing a Social Security Disability Application.
Tip 4: Be Honest on During the Social Security Disability Application Process.
Tip 5: Understand and Complete the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Form.
Tip 6: Continue Your Medical Treatment After Applying for Social Security Disability.
Tip 7: Keep a Detailed Journal Describing Your Disabling Condition.
Tip 8: Don't Panic If Your Disability Claim Is Denied.
Tip 9: Appeal Immediately After Your Social Security Benefits Are Denied.
Tip 10: Hire a Qualified Social Security Disability Attorney or Advocate.
Tip 11: Keep Notes of Phone Conversations with the Social Security Administration.
Tip 12: Understand the Social Security disability process before you apply for disability benefits.
Tip 13: Learn to Cope with the Stress of Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits.
Tip 14: Avoid Fraud Charges when Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits.
Tip 15: Be Proactive With Your Social Security Disability Claim
Tip 16: Preparing Evidence for a Social Security Disability Interview or Application
Tip 17: Check the Status of your Disability Claim
Tip 18: Working While Applying for Disability Benefits
Tip 19: Gathering and Organizing Social Security Disability Medical Evidence
Tip 20: Contact your Physician regularly
Tip 22: Plan Financially when Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Tip 23: Get a Diagnosis from a Specialist
Tip 24: Get Your Social Security Disability Hearing Scheduled Faster
Tip 25: Do Not Miss Your Consultative Examination
Tip 26: Apply for Disability Benefits at the Right Time
Tip 27: Learn How to Navigate the SSA's Website and Apply for Disability Online
Tip 28: Shorten the Length of Time for a Disability Decision
Tip 29: Document All of Your Medical Conditions
Tip 30: Be Patient during the Social Security Disability Application Process
Tip 31: Get a Copy of Your Social Security Statement
Tip 32: Get a Letter of Support from Your Doctor
Tip 33: Be Prepared for Periodic Continuing Disability Reviews
Tip 34: Use A Medical Vocational Allowance
Tip 35: Social Security Forms You Need Your Doctor to Complete
Last Updated: 7/23/2021