Tips for Filing Social Security Disability Claims

If you are unable to work because of any number of different disabilities, then you know how quickly the bills can begin to pile up. It is important to get your rights as an American citizen protected, and to receive the benefits that you are entitled to. The process can be rather involved, however, so it is best to start as soon as possible and to understand what you will need in order to help the process go much more smoothly. Consider the following tips as a way to get started.

Starting the Claim Process

If you are ready to pursue filing your disability claim in Baltimore, you will want to first make contact with the Social Security Administration. They will help you schedule a time for your disability interview. Contact with your local office can be made via telephone or personal visit. If you prefer, you can also call the toll-free number set up by the Social Security Administration for assistance in receiving your disability claim and scheduling your interview.

Tips for Streamlining the Disability Claims and Interview Process

As you begin to apply for Social Security disability, the most important concept to remember is that you must be prepared. Your in-person interview can last up to 90 minutes or even longer, and it all depends on how well prepared you are for their questions. You also want to have as much information as possible at your disposal. The following bullet points highlight what will be needed.

  • You will need to prove your citizenship (usually via a birth certificate), or your legal alien status if that applies to you.
  • Make sure that you can document your complete work history. You will want to highlight the various types of jobs that you have held, particularly those that you had before you became disabled. There is also a great deal of advice online for learning how the Social Security Administration looks at your work history, and how that plays into their decision.
  • Have ready all possible names, phone numbers, addresses, and the dates of treatment for all physicians or hospitals that have been treating you for the duration of your illness. You can also research more about how this information is used by going online and reading more.
  • Make sure to have as much personal information about yourself available as possible. This includes any marriages, divorces, and children.
  • At your interview, the representative that is assigned to your case is also going to ask questions related to your personal financial resources. This includes, but is not limited to, any bank accounts, life insurance policies, land, trust funds, bonds, IRA’s, stocks, 401ks, and cash. They will also want to see records related to your income, which includes your wages, short term and long term disability benefits, veterans benefits, or any other source of income that you might have available to you.

Remember, it is better to be more prepared than you need to be in order to maximize the interview process in the Baltimore area and get your disability benefits as quickly as possible.