They say the proof is in the pudding and for receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the proof is in the form of medical and non-medical documents. When you apply for SSDI, you need to include evidence of your medical condition, as well as proof of income and earned work credits.
SSDI applications without the proper documentation come back denied by the SSA.
Medical Documents to Include with Your Claim
The most important part of the application process is organizing and submitting the medical documents that support a disability benefits claim. How to apply for disability benefits starts with diagnostic paperwork.
Diagnostic Tests
The medical review board at the SSA will deny your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance if you do not include the results of diagnostic tests with your claim.
A licensed doctor must sign the documents that demonstrate what types of tests were run to diagnose your medical condition. Common diagnostic tests for many medical conditions include x-rays and CT scans. You also should submit documentation that lists any symptoms and medical complications that are associated with your diagnosed disability.
Treatment History
Once you get past the diagnostic test phase of the application process, the next step is to collect every document that describes your treatments. This can include therapies, medications, and any type of surgery. Your physician needs to sign off on a document that estimates the extent of the future treatments needed to improve your medical condition.
Other medical documentation to include with your SSDI application includes your medical history, emergency room visit logs, and a statement from your doctor that verifies everything you have submitted to the SSA. Copies of every receipt used to pay for medications should accompany your claim as well.
Non-Medical Documents to Include with Your Claim
The goal of getting the SSA to approve your application for Social Security Disability Insurance is to recover the costs of medical care, as well as the money lost because you could not continue to work. All work-related documentation falls in the non-medical documents category.
Here are the vital non-medical documents you should submit with your SSDI application:
- State and federal tax forms
- Work history going back 15 years before you became disabled
- Bank account statements
- Paycheck stubs
- SSA required Work History Report
Form SSA-3369, which is the Work History Report, provides the SSA with the information it needs to evaluate your work history. The Work History Report should list the jobs you have held, the responsibilities for each position, and the skills you acquired at each job.
At the end of the Work History Report, there is a section called “Remarks” that allows applicants to provide additional information concerning other sections of the form. This section can clarify any gaps in your employment history and/or describe past job duties in more detail.
Get Support from a Social Security Lawyer
How to apply for disability benefits starts by contacting an experienced Social Security attorney. With the SSA denying a majority of claims, you must receive support from a lawyer who understands the application process.
Your attorney will help you organize and submit the most persuasive medical evidence, as well as ensure you submit the right non-medical documents that describe how your disability has hurt your earning power.
Contact a Social Security attorney to submit the most convincing SSDI application.
