Providing a Solid Foundation for Your Social Security Benefits Claim
Posted 11/11/09
Q: Can you do anything to give your disability claim the best chance of receiving benefits?A: The majority of social security benefits claims are denied when they go through the first phase of the disability application cycle, but you can assure that you give your claim the fairest chance possible. Having a doctor who supports your decision to file for disability is integral to helping your case. The statement from your physician regarding how your condition affects your ability to work is extremely important. Delayed receipt of medical records is one of the main reasons disability claims get hung up in the review process. Assure that you have submitted thorough and current copies of all your medical data. This also applies if you file for reconsideration or appeal for a hearing. Always be cordial and polite when dealing with Social Security. The representatives want to reach a social security benefits decision as quickly as possible, so are not working against you. Claimants who are pleasant, responsive and helpful are much easier to deal with than those who are not. Another factor to give your case the best chance is to not miss a deadline. Make sure you keep track of where your claim is in the social security benefits process and understand the required paperwork and deadlines. Some claimants are overwhelmed when applying for social security benefits. If you fear you cannot properly apply or respond to requests, you would be wise to consider hiring a social security attorney.
Q: What should the statement from your doctor say when applying for social security disability?
A: When submitting a disability claim for social security benefits, the statement from your doctor should have three main things. The statement should start off by detailing your medical condition. Next, the letter needs to make clear what your physical restrictions are and how that impacts your employment. Lastly, the statement should provide a prognosis for your specific situation.
Q: Are reconsideration and appeal the same thing in the social security benefits process?
A: Reconsideration and hearing are two different steps in appealing your claim. The first step if your claim was not approved after the initial review process is to file for reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of when you received notification that your application was denied. If your claim is not awarded benefits after reconsideration, your next step is to request a hearing. A few states are currently testing a process that does not have cases reconsidered, so make sure you know if your state is one of them.
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