To qualify for the Social Security Disability Insurance, you have to prove to the relevant authorities that you are in need of assistance. This is a crucial step, as it helps to fight potential fraud.
As a matter of fact, the Social Security Administration awards most SSDI applications upon appeal to an Administrative Law Judge. For this reason, you need to be well prepared to boost your chances of getting approved. There are a few key steps to achieving this:
Presenting medical evidence
The wheels of justice, unfortunately, tend to turn slowly. As an applicant for SSDI, you may have to wait up to a year before your scheduled disability hearing. Up-to-date medical records are vital here. Ideally, you should include medical test reports, laboratory work, emergency room/hospital records, physician notes, surgical records and any related materials.
Demonstrating the extent of the disability
While the medical evidence may state the severity of your condition, it will be upon you to demonstrate the extent to which it limits your ability to work. You may request your physician to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity form after assessing you. Your former employer may also help in this regard by writing a letter detailing how, despite being a hardworking employee, you are incapable of performing your duties due to your current condition.
Establishing that you will be unable to work for a minimum of one year
SSDI policy requires applicants to prove that they will be unable to work for at least 12 consecutive months. Interestingly, due to the complexity of the proceedings, most people complete this duration while pursuing their case, from the time they file to the point when the hearing takes place.
However, it is important to note that the court may reject your application, should the judge have valid reasons to believe that you will be able to get back to work soon.
