If you are unable to work due to a medical condition or serious illness, it can lead to a devastating financial situation for your Florida family. You may know you have the right to seek support through a claim for Social Security disability benefits, but it is not always easy to complete this process. At the start of it, you will have to gather the right documents.
Providing the right documentation is critical for your disability claim because it is what the Social Security Administration will look at when evaluating your case. The documentation and medical evidence you include should validate your claim and prove that you have a genuine disability that precludes you from earning an income. Before you move forward with your application, it is smart to ensure that you have everything you need.
Have the right evidence
If you do not include the right documentation, it can result in your request coming back denied. You can give yourself a higher chance of a successful initial claim simply by having the right type of evidence. The documents you will need to gather include:
- Results from any medical testing, including diagnostic testing and lab work
- Proof of your age and your Social Security number
- Names and dosages of medication you are taking as well as information about who prescribed it and for what reason
- The names, addresses and phone numbers of any doctors you see for your disability-related medical condition
- Medical records from any hospitals, clinics, therapists, doctors, surgeons or any medical professional you saw for your disabling condition
- Relevant tax information
- Information about the work you used to do before the onset of your current condition
The SSA often sends initial claims back denied, even if applicants believe they included all necessary documentation. If this happens to you, it is not the end of the road; you can continue your fight for benefits through a request for consideration or an appeal.
Get the help you need as soon as possible
Fighting for disability benefits can be a frustrating and complicated process. You may not be sure where to start, how to get the medical information you need or what to do if your claim came back denied. You do not have to take a single step of this process alone. In fact, it may benefit you to work with an experienced Florida disability attorney from the very beginning.
