If you have had an amputation recently and can no longer work or do the same job as you were doing before an accident, you may be able to obtain essential benefits under the SSDI benefit program, which is administered by the federal Social Security Administration (SSA). Successful applicants who can prove past work history and a current medical disability preventing them from working may be eligible to apply. The application process is rigorous and you may find it easier to get help from a SSA attorney to guide you through the procedure.
Back to topCriteria for Applying for SSDI Benefits
To obtain SSDI disability benefits you must meet the two main criteria which are sufficient previous work credits and a current medical disability serious enough to prevent you from working for at least the next 12 months. The amputation of an arm or leg would certainly match the disability criterion. The work credits are used to determine whether you have paid sufficient insurance in the past to meet the criteria for obtaining benefits.
The main benefits once your application has been approved are for medical expenses related to your disability as well as a basic income to help you live while you remain disabled.
Back to topMedical Documents Needed in Your Application
The SSA needs to be certain that your medical disability is genuine and serious enough to prevent you from working and therefore eligible for disability benefits. The main documents that should be submitted with your application for SSD are as follows:
- A diagnosis of your current medical state by a registered doctor;
- A doctor’s report outlining your medical history which specifically has led to your current disability;
- The doctor’s name and contact details;
- Dates of visits to other medical facilities for treatment related to your current condition, including surgery such as the recent amputation;
- Names of these medical facilities and contact details such as address, telephone number etc.
Other Information You’ll Need
You may think that the fact that you have had a limb amputated is sufficient to show you have a need for disability benefit but the SSA considers previous work history when it makes a determination about your eligibility as well as your medical history. You need to present the following with your application:
- birth certificate;
- social security number;
- place of employment in the last few years;
- type of employment;
- type of business if self-employed;
- your last W-2 form if you were employed;
- previous tax year’s federal tax returns if self employed.
How a Social Security Attorney Can Help you with your Application
An SSA attorney will have a lot of experienced dealing with the SSA and helping those people have disabilities obtain the SSDI benefits they deserve. The application process for SSDI can be long and may seem endless at times. Because it is important to get all your documentation in order, this is where an SSA attorney can first provide legal help. Not all applications for disability benefits are approved the first time around. You will certainly need an attorney’s legal expertise if your application is denied.
Back to topAdditional Resources
- How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits with an Amputation
- Medical Criteria Needed to Qualify with an Amputation
- 5 Signs Your Benefits Claim May Be Approved with Amputation
