Disability Benefits
Yes, an experienced Social Security lawyer can help you get disability benefits. In fact, you likely will need the advice, counsel and representation of such a lawyer because the application process is complicated, at best.
Keep in mind that there are two types of benefits available: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The former pays you and certain of your family members benefits if you’re disabled, and the latter pays you benefits if you have limited income and resources. The medical eligibility requirements are the same for both. If you meet the nonmedical requirements, you will receive monthly benefits if you have a medical condition expected to last a minimum of one year or if your condition is expected to result in your death.
Personal Information Required
Your application for either type of benefits must include the following personal information:
- Your name, date and place of birth and Social Security number.
- The name, date of birth and Social Security number of your current spouse.
- The name, date of birth and Social Security number of any former spouse, including the date and place of your marriage and the date of your divorce or his or her death, whichever is applicable.
- The name and date of birth of any child of yours who has not yet attained the age of 18.
- The name of your bank or other financial institution, including its routing transit number and your account number.
Medical Information Required
Your application for benefits must also include the following detailed medical information:
- The name, address and phone number of each doctor, hospital or clinic where you have received treatment.
- The dates when you received such treatments.
- Your patient ID number at each facility.
- The names and dates of all medical tests you have received and who prescribed them.
- The names of all medicines you currently take and who prescribed them.
Employment Information Required
Unfortunately, the amount of detailed employment information that must accompany your application for benefits is even more extensive. This is where having the assistance of a social security disability lawyer, like The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, can likely benefit you the most. Not only can he or she help you collect and organize the information, but also make sure that you don’t miss something crucial.
Documentation Required
In addition to the information, per se, you must provide, you will also need to document it with such things as your birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, W-2s or 1099-MISCs as appropriate and copies of your income tax returns. If you’ve already received workers’ compensation, you’ll also need to provide the letters, settlement agreements or any other applicable proof regarding the amount and duration of such payments.