Some individuals are unable to work due to a disabling medical condition or a severe physical injury. This is a difficult position to be in as it often means a person is not financially able to support his or her West Virginia family, pay for medical needs or even have enough money for everyday needs. If you find yourself in this situation, you understand how difficult it can be.
This is a difficult situation, but it is not hopeless. There are specific types of disability benefits available to you through the Social Security Administration. If your claim gets approval, you will receive regular financial support payments. This may be good news for you, but there are strict eligibility requirements and specific things you have to do to qualify. It may be helpful for you to learn about what to do to apply for this support you need.
Do you qualify?
One of the most important questions you have regarding a disability claim is whether you will qualify. Being sick or having an injury is not enough. The SSA has strict eligibility requirements, and it will look at certain things when reviewing your claim to determine if you qualify. In order to be eligible for these benefits, you must have a valid medical condition that keeps you from working and will last for at least 12 months or result in your death.
The SSA will also look at the severity of your disability. If you are able to do other types of work or you will probably be able to work in the near future, you may not qualify for disability benefits according to the SSA.
The proof you need
You will have to include certain types of evidence and documentation in your disability claim. This evidence must clearly establish and prove the existence of an impairment, including things like medical records, prescription information, lab results and other documentation that can help prove the significant impact that your disability has on your life.
What if you’re not successful?
Even with valid evidence and sufficient proof of your disabling medical condition, you still may not be successful on your first try. Many initial claims come back denied. While frustrating, this is not the end of the road for you. You have the right to continue to pursue the support you need through a reconsideration of your claim and the appeals process. Before you start your claim, you may want to learn more about your initial steps, what you need for a successful claim and how to proceed if there is a setback.