A disabling medical condition can change your life, impacting your ability to do your work and earn a living. When you cannot support yourself and your family, it can lead to significant financial strain. At this point, you may find it necessary to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, but you should first learn about what you need to move forward with this process.
Applying for disability benefits can be complicated, and many initial claims come back denied. To give yourself a better chance of success and lower the possibility you will experience complications, you will be need certain types of medical documentation and other types of proof to have success with your claim. Preparing your claim well is a crucial component in getting the support you need in a timely manner.
Types of documentation you’ll need
The SSA looks carefully at all of the documentation that you include with your claim. Medical records are important, as are records that prove how your disability impacts your life and your functional capacity. The specific types of documentation you may need for your claim include:
- Medical records pertaining to your disability, including information about any surgeries, hospitalizations and treatments you received
- Income statements and tax records
- Records pertaining to the medication you take, including types, dosages, frequency of use and side effects
- List of jobs you had for at least 15 years prior to developing a disabling medical condition
The medical documentation you provide is crucial, as are other types of information the SSA may require. You may have to provide the following for your claim:
- Contact information for a personal reference who can speak to how your condition affects your life
- Contact information for all medical service providers who treated you for your disabling medical condition
- Dates of marriages and divorce, and family information about your spouse and children
- Information about your former employment and how your disability affected your capacity to hold gainful employment
Start here
As you can see, it can be difficult to know what you need for your claim and to gather all of the pertinent documentation. Many applicants find it beneficial to work with an attorney experienced in the disability claims process. Having guidance and support can help you avoid missteps and give you a better chance of securing the financial support you will need in a timely manner. There is a lot at stake for you and your Connecticut family when dealing with a disability, and you do not have to face it alone.
