SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSD), SSI

This information may help claimants with representation, as well as claimants who are not represented by an attorney or non attorney representative. Understanding how the Social Security Disability system works can make the difference between winning or not winning the continuing disability benefits and backpay to which a person is entitled. To win a claim for ongoing and past due benefits, claimants should learn about the disability process to improve their chances of winning ssi or ssd - ssdi benefits.

1. How much a claimant can lift - social security disability and ssi disability claimants are given an exertional rating. This rating which is performed on a form known as an RFC, or residual functional capacity form, takes into account a number of factors, not least of which is how much weight a claimant can lift on a frequent and occasional basis. For example, the ability to lift ten pounds frequently and twenty-five pounds occasionally equates to a Light RFC, while the ability to lift twenty-five pounds frequently and fifty pounds occasionally equates to a medium RFC.
   
   
2. How long a claimant can sit or stand - this is taken into consideration because a claimant's residual functional capacity in this area (i.e. the ability to sit or stand for certain lengths of time) will have a bearing on the types of jobs they will be considered capable--or incapable--of doing. For example, a claimant with severe knee problems might be considered incapable of doing work that involves prolonged standing. Likewise, a claimant with severe pelvic pain might be considered incapable of doing work that involves prolonged sitting, such as a sedentary job.

1. A determination of whether or not the claimant should be able to return to their past work.
   
   
2. A determination of whether or not the claimant should be able to perform some type of "other work".
   
   
3. A determination as to whether or not the claimant should be approved or denied for social security disability or ssi disability benefits.

1. By speaking with their doctor, disclosing that an application for disability benefits has been filed, and impressing upon the doctor the value of functional limitations being reflected in the medical records. This, of course, may be easier said than done---but it does allude to the value and usefulness of maintaining a good relationship with one's treatment sources.
   
   
2. By obtaining a copy of one's medical records to determine the type of information that has already been recorded by one's doctors.