Noteboom The Law Firm

Get a Head Start on Your Social Security Disability Application

If you have questions about where to start when it comes to obtaining Social Security disability benefits, it is helpful to have an overview of the often complicated process.  

According to the Appeal-Democrat, about 3 million people applied for disability in 2009, but about two-thirds of them were denied. The most common reason given was that they did not provide enough medical documentation to show that they could not work, and therefore qualified for disability benefits.

One of the primary qualifications for Social Security disability benefits is that you must be able to demonstrate that you cannot work, not only at the job you used to hold, but at any job. You should also be able to prove that you have a debilitating medical condition that has lasted a year and is likely to affect you for the rest of your life. Additionally, in most cases, you need to have worked for at least 5 of the past 10 years.

If you believe that you may be eligible for Social Security benefits, you will need to gather the following documents: 

• Birth certificate
• Social Security number
• Contact information for any medical personnel who treated your condition
• Names of the medications you have taken for the condition
• Medical records
• A letter from your doctor stating their view of your condition
• W-2s and a summary of work you have recently done

 
After you collect these documents, you may choose to contact a lawyer who can help you through this process.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.