How to Find Assistance Applying for Disability

When you have a medical condition that has disabled you permanently or for the long-term, social security disability (SSD) can be incredibly helpful. When you are approved for SSD, the monthly stipends can help you to maintain bill payments, medical costs, and general living expenses. Your dependents can also be eligible for benefits if they are deemed needed in order for the family to cover day-to-day expenses and maintain standards of living.

Depending on your medical status and family situation, completing the disability application process can be more involved than you’d like to deal with; The entire process can take a while. There are resources available to you, however, to make the process easier. Below, we’ll review and discuss how to find assistance applying for disability so that you can obtain access to this helpful resource when you need it the most.

Social Services

Social services are often offered while you’re in the hospital or actively during treatment for a medical condition; this is definitely assistance that you should consider. Social service workers can help you and your family navigate the sometimes complicated SSD system and complete the necessary paperwork.

Partnering with a social worker can also help to connect you with other valuable resources that can help you with your disability.

SSA Representatives

SSA office does offer representatives to assist you with your application and help walk you through the process of applying for your SSD. You’re able to meet with SSA representatives through either a local office or by phone at 800-772-1213. The SSA office will allow you to send representation in your place, as well, if you are unable to make meetings due to your medical or physical limitations.

It’s recommended you visit your local SSA office when you decide to file initially so they can help you begin the process. Doing so this way will also allow you to establish a protected filing date. This means that once your application is approved, you can possibly obtain back pay starting from the date you began your filing.

Friends and Family

The assistance of friends and family to the process of you applying can be incredibly valuable. Your friends and family are able to complete your paperwork, attend meetings, and make phone calls on your behalf. If any paperwork is required to be signed at any time, the SSI office will contact you to arrange that.

Lawyers and Advocates

Disability advocates and lawyers exist to help you through your claim process. Applying for SSD can be lengthy and have a lot of parts involved; an advocate can provide counsel, direction, help with documentation, obtain necessary evidence, and even help you with appeals and denials if necessary. Don’t pass up the opportunity to have someone who truly understands the process help guide you through it.

A disability lawyer will also be able to assist you in presenting your case before a judge. This can sometimes be in court, but is usually in writing. You are able to represent yourself, however, the process will be easier and more straightforward when you partner with someone more familiar.

Physicians

When dealing with your disability, your physician will be your primary advocate. When you’ve received your disability diagnosis, your physician can help you complete your application; this process can include the physician helping you to gather evidence of your condition, helping you to complete forms and gathering and submitting required records. It’s important that you retain regular and open communication with your physician throughout the process so they can assist you. The SSA will also contact your physician for further information while they are processing your application.