Social Security Disability: Advice From a Disability Examiner

Here are a few helpful things I learned during my years as a disability examiner at the Social Security Administration (SSA).

1. Don't wait to file for disability.

 Regardless of what anyone tells you, if you are disabled and unable to work, it's good advice to pursue a claim for Social Security disability and get it filed immediately.

Reason: Disability claims can take a very long time to process. This isn't true in all cases, but it is in most. Unfortunately, many claimants for disability benefits experience financial hardship simply because they had no idea how long the process would be, and only realized when it was too late that they should have filed an application much, much sooner. 

2. Hire an attorney to appeal a denial.

If you are denied on your initial disability claim, it's good advice to get an attorney, or even a non-attorney representative, to represent you and help you with your claim for continuing and retroactive benefits (disability backpay).

Reason: The way the disability system works, a claimant will either be approved on an initial application or will be forced to follow the appeals route. Most claimants will have to go to a hearing if they hope to be approved, and going to a hearing before an administrative law judge unrepresented can really hurt your chances at winning. 

3. Get help with the application if you need it.

If you think you may have problems doing the paperwork for your Social Security disability claim, get assistance immediately.

Reason: An extraordinary number of people who apply for disability benefits, or file an appeal following a denial, fail to properly complete their paperwork, or fail to submit their paperwork on time (appeals for disability must be filed within 60 days of the date of the last denial). Incomplete paperwork or missed deadlines will result in a denial.

4. Visit the doctor regularly.

 Since your Social Security disability claim will be evaluated on the basis of your medical records, the best advice is to get regular, ongoing medical treatment in the months (even years) before you apply.

Reason: If you attempt to get a supporting statement from your doctor, you may have difficulty getting your physician to cooperate if you haven't had a doctor's appointment recently. If you lose your medical coverage before your claim for benefits is approved, as is usually the case, try to be seen at a free clinic, county health department, or emergency room. While these treatment sources are not the best, they are, simply put, better than nothing. In addition, the SSA may not believe that your medical condition is severe if you are not visiting a doctor often. Remember this advice: as a general rule. you cannot be approved for social security disability if you are not seen by a medical provider at least once every two months.

Note that even if you are approved Social Security disability, and your past medical records indicate that you are disabled, you will be subject to continuing disability reviews. An examiner or judge will not be able to approve your claim for continuing disability benefits if you don't have current medical records (with information from recent doctor's visits) to substantiate your claim.

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