People who have received a suitable number of credits from the time they’ve worked may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they have an injury or condition that meets the criteria set by the Social Security Administration.
Anyone who has to apply for SSDI should be prepared for a lengthy process, but it might be possible to reduce the wait by providing the proper documentation from the start of the application. When an application is submitted with incomplete or inaccurate information, it can significantly delay the process.
What documentation should you gather?
You need to provide basic documentation to prove your identity and work history. This includes things like your photo identification, birth certificate, Social Security number, recent tax forms and a detailed work history.
You also need to provide information about the illness or injury that’s the basis of your claim. This includes the correct names for each one, as well as the name and contact information for all healthcare providers who have treated you. You’ll likely need to provide detailed information about treatments, hospitalizations and procedures, including the dates, locations and results.
It’s usually a good idea to list the medications that you’re taking and letters from your healthcare providers that explain the functional limitations you have. Providing a daily log of your activities may also be beneficial.
Any missteps during the application process can result in delays. Because of this, it might be best for anyone applying to have someone on their side who can help them with the application process and any potential appeals that need to be filed if the application is denied.