If you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits. In order to receive benefits, there are certain requirements that you must meet.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, your next step is to prove that your disability does not allow you to work, and you need to provide the right information or else you will receive a denial.
Disability eligibility
According to the Social Security Administration, a person must have a history of working and paying social security taxes. To be eligible, one must have a certain number of work credits, and for most people it is 40 credits. Doctors must expect the disability to last at least one year and prevent you from working your previous job or adjust to other work.
Certain conditions expediate disability claim processing. These include Lou Gehrig’s disease, leukemia and pancreatic cancer.
Disability proof
According to FindLaw, the key to getting benefits is to be able to prove disability. Medical documentation is the best way to do this. Document when the condition began to affect work ability, maintain a journal with daily symptoms and gather all medical records pertaining to the condition.
Include all assessments from general doctors and specialists. It further helps if you have 100% compliance with doctor’s orders, such as attending all therapy sessions and taking all prescribed medication. Discuss with the doctor about how the condition limits daily life, especially as it pertains to work.
Gather a list of people, such as friends, colleagues and family members, who can confirm your inability to function normally due to the disability. Be able to demonstrate and describe how the condition impairs specific tasks. Make sure there is consistency in all proof, or else there is a higher chance of denial.