The Social Security Administration provides Social Security Disability benefits to those in Morrow and the rest of the U.S. who cannot work due to a disabling medical condition. Sadly, many people still end up getting denied for benefits—even when they meet the qualifications. It usually means their application needs more information or certain errors need to be fixed. To make sure your application contains sufficient information, speak with a Morrow SSD lawyer today.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how frustrating the SSD application process can be. We are dedicated to getting those with disabling conditions the benefits they deserve, as we’ve been doing for 20 plus years. To speak with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers today, call us for a FREE consultation at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Information You Need to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
When you apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you’ll need to demonstrate that:
- You have a medical condition that has lasted (or is expected to last) for at least one year or will result in death.
- Your medical condition prevents you from working at all, including in any previous form of work or a new type of work.
- You have earned enough work credits through Social Security. For most adults, they need 40 work credits with 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled, but it’s less for younger workers.
To make sure you are fully showing your qualifications for SSD, you’ll likely need to provide the following information in your application.
Personal Documents
In order to decide how much your SSD benefits should be and pay those benefits if you’re approved, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may request any of the following documents:
- Your Social Security card
- Your original birth certificate or another proof of your birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (or lawful alien status if you were not born in the U.S.)
- Copy of your U.S. military service paper(s)
- Copy of your W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax return from last year
The exact documents you’ll need will depend on the details of your claim and your specific circumstances. If you have any questions about what documents you’ll need, your SSD lawyer can help.
Personal Information
The following information about you will also need to be available for your disability claim:
- Full name
- Birthdate and birth location
- Social Security number
- Name, age, birthdate, Social Security number, and date of marriage for any current spouse and any past spouses
- Names and birthdates of any minor children
- Your bank’s information and routing number so your benefits can be paid electronically
Work History
To show that you have paid enough into Social Security through taxes, you’ll need to provide proof of your past work history. This includes providing information like:
- How much money you earned last year and this year
- The names and addresses of all employers from those years
- Up to five of the previous jobs you had (and the dates you worked in those jobs) in the past 15 years before you become disabled
- Any other benefits you might be receiving or that you have filed a claim to receive
- A copy of your Social Security statement
Medical History
Besides showing your work history, the SSA will be looking for proof of your disabling medical condition. The SSA has a Listing of Impairments that they will consult to see if your condition is indeed disabling. You’ll need to include the following information in your claim:
- The date you were diagnosed with your condition
- Details of the condition preventing you from earning substantial gainful activity
- The names, addresses, phone numbers, and treatment dates for every doctor or hospital with which you have received treatment
- Your patient ID numbers from each hospital
- Documentation of all medical testing for your condition, when it happened, and where it happened
- The full name, address, and phone number of another person who can be contacted about your condition
- The names, doses, and prescription dates of any prescription medications you’re taking
If you need help obtaining any of this information or have questions about how to provide it, contact a trusted Morrow Social Security Disability lawyer. They can make sure any information you provide is thorough enough to demonstrate how you are eligible for benefits.
Five Reasons SSD Benefits Get Denied in Morrow
If you submit your claim and get denied, don’t give up. Speak to an SSD lawyer in the Morrow area who can help. Many times, there is a fairly simple explanation for why an application gets denied, and an experienced lawyer can help you fix the issue(s).
Here are some of the most common reasons a SSD application is denied.
1. Insufficient Evidence of Medical Condition
Even if your medical condition definitely prevents you from working, you will need to fully demonstrate this to the SSA before you can get approved for benefits. They will want to see thorough documentation of your diagnosis, treatment, doctor’s notes, and other evidence that you’re unfit to continue working.
Your lawyer can help determine what additional information you need to request or obtain to strengthen your claim.
2. You’re Still Making Money
The Social Security Disability program only provides benefits for total disabilities. That means, if you are making any money or still working at all, you will probably be automatically denied benefits.
3. You Started a New Application After a Denial
The best thing to do after getting denied is appeal your current application—not start a new one. If the SSA sees that you’ve already applied and then started a new application, they will likely deny you again.
4. There Was a Paperwork Error
Sometimes, simple errors in your paperwork can lead to a denial. The SSA may contact you to let you know that the errors need to be corrected, or they might simply deny your application. A lawyer can help determine what needs to be fixed.
5. Your Treatments Were Not Being Followed
If you are not keeping up with treatments that your doctor prescribed or recommended, this can lead to a denial. If you are getting treatments but your application doesn’t clearly show it, you’ll need to provide additional documentation.
Talk to a Social Security Disability (SSD) Lawyer in Morrow for Free Today
Don’t suffer through the SSD process alone, especially if you have questions or are overwhelmed by trying to do it yourself. At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have been helping individuals with their Social Security Disability cases for over 20 years.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation to discuss the details of your claim. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
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