The Paper Trail to Social Security Disability Benefits – What It Takes to Get There
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, it is essential that your application is accurate, complete and that it properly highlights key facts about your unique situation that makes you eligible for disability benefits. You should know that:
- It is difficult to apply for benefits on your own and do it well.
- Submitting a less than perfect application could delay the approval process.
- SSA denies 63 percent of first-time SSDI applications.
- You may face months of waiting through the Appeals process before getting approved for SSDI.
Your application requires a lot of details about you, your family, the jobs you’ve had, and, most importantly, the strong medical support that proves how your disability impacts your daily life and meets SSA’s definition of “disability.”
The SSDI Application Package
Here is a list of the forms SSA requires from you:
- Disability Technical Application:
You must provide details about you and your family; work history; earnings statements; medical history; and other benefit sources.
- Adult Disability Report (ADR):
This is a more comprehensive report about you, your medical condition, work history and education. You must provide personal information; detailed descriptions of your illnesses, injuries or conditions that limit your ability to work; explanations of how your condition limits your ability to work; details about your work history including your work skills; and how much education you have completed. The report requires very specific medical information.
- Appointment of Representation:
This is the official agreement notice required by SSA if you choose a representative, such as Freedom Disability, to help you throughout the disability application process.
- Authorization to Disclose Medical Information to SSA:
You must give SSA authorization to obtain medical records, education records and any other information related to your ability to perform tasks. This form must be provided for each source contacted for information.
- Consent for Release Information:
This form is required if you authorize SSA to give information or records about you to a third party (doctor; insurance company; etc.)
- Function Report:
You must describe how your medical condition limits your daily activities and your ability to work. You receive this form from Disability Determination Services (DDS) the state agency that determines if your medical condition meets SSA’s definition of “disability.”
- Work History Report:
You must provide details about the kinds of work you have done, and what the physical and mental requirements were for each job you had in the 15 years prior to being unable to work because of your medical condition.
- Statement of Claimant or Other Person:
You have the opportunity to provide a personal essay that explains anything you think will help support your disability case.
- Work Activity Report (Self-Employed) or Work Activity Report (Employee) :
Whichever form is applicable, you can provide more information that helps to further explain how your condition has interfered with your ability to perform job duties.
- Pain Questionnaire or Impairment Questionnaire
These are forms that are provided by your state’s Social Security Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency. The number of impairments you have determines how many forms you will have to fill out.
It is strongly recommended that you use a disability advocacy group like Freedom Disability to help you prepare all this paperwork. An Advocate works on your behalf to expertly put together your information into a complete package. A first-time denial of benefits can lead to a long appeals process before winning the benefits you deserve.
The Appeals Package
Should SSA deny your application, it is a good idea to appeal that decision. Many disability claims that were initially denied do get approved through appeals. These are the forms required when you appeal SSA’s decision:
- Request for Reconsideration:
The Request for Reconsideration is the first step in the Appeals process and provides you with the opportunity to explain why you are dissatisfied with SSA’s denial decision. You have 60 days from the date of your first denial to make this written request.
This is a crucial time for getting help from an Appeals expert like a Freedom Disability Advocate if you want to avoid the risk of a second denial.
- Adult Disability Report for Reconsideration Appeal :
You must fill out a second ADR report to accompany your Request for Reconsideration. You have the opportunity at this point to update information on your medical condition and provide information that was not included in your first-time application.
- Request for Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge:
If your claim has been denied at the Reconsideration level, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You have 60 days from the date of your second denial to make this written request.
A Freedom Disability Advocate knows how to make sure you are prepared for your hearing. This step could be your best chance of getting approved for benefits.- Claimant’s Recent Medical Treatment:
The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) will request that you provide more recent medical information on your condition.
- Claimant’s Medications:
ODAR will request that you provide information on all medications.
- Claimant’s Work Background:
ODAR will request that you provide information on your work history.
You Have the Right to Disability Representation to Help You Win
It takes a lot of work to put together a well-prepared application for disability benefits. You certainly have the option to apply on your own on the SSA Web site. However, considering the high rate of disability claims that SSA denies at the initial level, we recommend that you get expert help.
Freedom Disability improves your chances of approval with your first disability application on through appeals of a denial decision. Our experience, knowledge and advocacy efforts have helped thousands of claimants win the disability benefits they are entitled to receive.
Find out more about getting started on a winning application with the help of Freedom Disability.
Learn More About Your Disability Benefits:
Why was I Denied Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability (SSDI) Application Process
The Social Security Disability Insurance Appeals Process
If the Judge Denies Your Disability Case, You Have a Third Chance to Appeal
When Should I Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits?
How to Win a Social Security Disability Case –That’s the Challenge
Social Security Disability FAQ’s
My brother has been trying since April to get some kind of help. He cannot walk, we don't know what is wrong with him. We took him to the hospital and they ran a few test but the other test he needs they will not run because he has no medical insurance. We contacted an attorney and they informed us that he has to be under a doctors care. Where do we go from here? If it wasn't for my 75 yr old mother he would be homeless. I think he might have MS and needs to be taking meds to keep it from gettng worse but he has no insurance.
Your brother could qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is true that a medical history is required to prove disability. Perhaps there is a free health clinic in your area that can help, or local social services may be able to offer guidance on other benefits and programs to help your brother.
I have applied and been denied disability. I have 3 crushed discs in my lumbar area. Discography with ct scan confirmed this. I am currently taking Norco (every 4 hrs) and ParaFon Forte (1000mgs 3 times a day) meds everyday to deal with the the pain. I also wear a back brace everyday. This on top of my epilepsy, which i take meds for also. Why are these people like this? How can you folks help me?
John, SSA is very strict about their approval process. They deny close to 65 percent of first-time applications. It is very important to have well-documented paperwork and strong support from your doctors about your functionality and ability to work at any job. You also must meet the work-history criteria. If you think you should not have been denied, please call us at 866-347-2910 to talk to an Eligibility Consultant who can assess your case and advise you on next steps to take.
I hired an attorney to begin with. They never got any information from my doctors or helped me with my case. I met my attorney 10 minutes before I went in front of the judge. There were three papers in my file, which were papers I filled out inicially. I provided paper work to them but was told it was lost. I also provided social security with the same paperwork. I met with the judge and was over powered by the doctor who reviewed some of the paperwork. Things were taken out of context and twisted. I was devistated and very frustrated. My attorney answered one question during this time and was incorrect in her answer. What a waste of 2 years of my life. I continue to get worse and live in pain everyday. It has put my family into a poverty level and have done without for a long time. I had back surgury in 2006, left in severe pain and no relief. I also have a drop foot which requires an IFO and a cane. I am on 2 different narcotic meds and many other daily with little relief. It has now been over 5 years. I was denied by the judge and then in the appeals process. I had to appeal without my attorney and I needed help. I try to get what medical records I can but it is so expensive. I still done understand how you can pay for a visit and then have to pay for copies of your records. I am unsure of what to do next and money is a big issue. There are alot of times I am unable to afford doctor visits and medications that I am suppose to be on. It is so frustrating. I was told by social security and then by state assistance to divorce my husband. Then I would qualify quickly. The emotions and frustrations are unbearable. I have denegertive disc disease, arthrisis among other diagnoses. I am at my wits end and dont know what to do next. I am terrified of attorneys now and what I need is help.
SO I have dgen disk disease and stenosis of both lumbar and c-spine as well as several other spine related problems that result in MANY bad days and every day requires much effort and pain pills to face. I am 34 and have worked enough to be insured fully for ssdi(thank god for FICA and long hours). I filed myself and recieved a packet from the dds with the pain questions, the packet about my function, and my work history. This came within 7 days of filing online and then dropping off my signed med release form along with a copy of my MRI's on a disk at the local ssa office. Is this a fast turnaround time? also I completed the packet(took a week) and FAXED it in, after which i called the dds to confirm they got the fax (which they did) I was honest in the report about the fact that not every day is a bad day but a bad day means in bed all day. are these the type of things that will help me receive a faster result?
Jaeson, There is no predictability to count on when filing for Social Security disability. I suggest reading our article "Should I Apply Online for Social Security Benefits?" You may be following all the steps required for completing your initial application but it's how SSA interprets the information you provide that will lead to a decision. They review everything, particularly medical history and functionality to determine the severity of your disability. They will also look at your age and education to determine if you are capable of retraining for different work. It's all about deciding if you can no longer work at any job because of your medical condition. Typically, a deciision is made in about four months. One thing I will advise to you is that should your first application be denied, don't give up. Appeal the decision!. And hang in there. Good luck. I hope thigs work out in your favor.
I was denied for disability for what some might call an "invisible disability", but I fought it. I wish you all the best of luck with your cases.