The approval process for Social Security Disability Benefits is not for the faint of heart. The waiting process can feel like a never-ending circle of paperwork and formalities, not to mention the financial strain it puts on families who are counting on these benefits to make ends meet. Before you let the air of defeat sink in, here are some tips that can expedite the process and help put money in your pocket faster!
1. Itemize every source of medical treatment and include this list on your application.
The more information you can provide on your application the better. Leave nothing to the imagination or incomplete. This includes, but is not limited to names of any doctors who have treated you for your disability, the address of hospitals, clinics, and places of treatment along with the date of that treatment. The application also requires medical records, it is recommended that you provide lifetime records to maximize your benefits. It is not unheard of that people receive benefits for past disabilities that were never paid out.
2. Include hard copies of your medical records.
This may seem obvious, but it is not enough to just list your records the application process requires hard copies from your doctor or caregiver. Without these records, your application will sit in limbo until the examiner can access them by submitting a record request. This can potentially add unnecessary weeks or months to having your disability claim approved! Save the examiner the leg work and obtain those copies in advance, not only will it streamline the process but it will get your benefits paid out to you that much sooner.
3. Babysit your claim.
Convenient? No. Necessary? Unfortunately, yes. Staying up-to-date on the status of your claim can help eliminate the need for the examiner to reach out to you for outstanding information. In order to “check-in” you need to make frequent check-ins via a phone call. You could be confident that you sent a perfect application with all information in it’s entirety, and that may be true, but the Social Security office is dealing with thousands of claims daily and simple human error can mean that something gets lost along the way. Staying ahead of any potential problems will ensure that the process carries on without a hitch.
4. Ask for help!
If you believe you have a strong claim, and you want to greatly increase your odds of getting approved, we recommend you get professional help from an attorney. This attorney does this for a living day in and day out and usually has tips and tricks for streamlining the legal process. If you are represented based off contingency that adds incentive for your attorney. Simply put, they don’t get paid until you get paid! In addition to having a power-player in your corner, attorney tend to find additional benefits you may be entitled to earning you a larger payout. Hiring professional help is worth it and helps take the burden off of you.
To start the process of getting approved for benefits, and speak to someone that can help you apply, click the button below and complete the quick 30 second form now. We hope to help you receive the benefits you deserve!
