Clear & Honest Answers
To Questions About Your Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Benefits

Attorney Shawn Taylor

Where should you start with your disability application?

On Behalf of | May 6, 2020 | Firm News |

Making the decision to file for disability benefits is only the first step in this process. Even with a valid disabling medical condition, you may still struggle to get the financial support you need. Before you start working on your application or taking other steps, you may want to learn about what to expect from the claims process and what you need to prepare. 

Preparing ahead of time for your claim can help you avoid setbacks and unnecessary complications. It may also give you a better chance of a successful claim with your initial application. Gathering the right documentation and paperwork together is important. Many disabled individuals in West Virginia find it helpful to work with an experienced attorney when trying to secure disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.

What do you need?

There are several things you will need to file for disability benefits. The SSA holds a strict definition of disability, which means the documentation you include in your application plays a critical role in proving that you have a medical condition that keeps you from working. Some of the documentation you’ll need includes: 

  • Medical records from all doctors and care providers you’ve seen, hospital stays, surgeries, appointments and treatments pertaining to your disability
  • Results from any blood work or lab tests
  • Information about all of the medication you are taking for your disability, including the names of the medicines and dosages
  • Information about the work you used to do and how your disability impacted your ability to continue with your job or find other employment

You will also have to provide tax information to verify your income as well as your Social Security number and proof of your age. If you are missing something or your documentation is insufficient, your application may come back denied. At this point, you can ask for a reconsideration or take other steps to try again with your claim. 

Preparing your claim

There is a lot on the line for you and your family when applying for disability benefits. You will find it beneficial to work with an experienced attorney who is closely familiar with the claims process and the SSA. This support can prove invaluable as you deal with your own medical concerns and gather appropriate documentation for your claim. To learn more about what you need to prepare or find out if you are eligible, seek a complete assessment of your case first.