Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a benefit that helps provide an income to those who suffer from disabilities. It’s not always easy for people to obtain these benefits, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to make sure that only those who qualify actually receive them. Sometimes, that means that people who genuinely need these benefits do not get them.
There are some tips to help you get SSDI. It’s often easier to get benefits by seeking professional assistance than it is by trying to do it all on your own. The process for obtaining SSDI can be challenging and the SSA requires sufficient evidence of your inability to work in order to approve a claim. Here are a few tips to help when you’re assembling your claim.
1. Don’t minimize your pain
It’s part of human nature to say you’re “fine” even when you’re hurting. However, this is not the time for stoicism. You need to show how significantly this injury has impacted your life and why you’re unable to work. If the SSA believes that you’re lying or that your injury doesn’t qualify, you won’t get benefits.
2. List multiple conditions
In the majority of cases, there are more than one conditions that affect applicants. It might be depression following an amputation, post-traumatic stress disorder coupled with chronic back pain following a bad fall. In most instances, if you can show that the odds are against you in terms of your health, then you’ll have a better chance of obtaining SSDI the first time you apply.
3. Get medical statements
Finally, remember that having your doctor on your side can make a huge difference in your case. Get a statement from your physician about how the injuries affect you today and how they are expected to affect you in the future. This can show the SSA that you have sought treatment and are complying with your treatment plan. It is also harder for the SSA to dispute a medical provider’s assessment and evaluation, giving you a better chance to get the benefits you deserve upon your first application.
Not all people get SSDI on their first application, and there is a chance you’ll have to reapply or appeal a decision. If you can provide enough evidence, though, you’ll have the best possible chance of an approval the first time you apply. The application and process takes time, so it’s best to get started as soon as possible.