Indiana Social Security Lawyer Discusses How to Prepare to Apply For Disability

As Indiana’s Social Security Lawyer, I am often asked how to file for social security benefits.  There are three ways an application may be filed.   They are, in no particular order, Online at www.ssa.gov, in person at your local social security office, or an over the phone interview.  Regardless of which method you choose, a little preparation will make the process a little easier for everyone.  This preparation will also increase your chances of being successful in your application.

I advise my clients to make four lists.  The first list is a list of your health care providers with name, address, and telephone number.  As we have discussed in the past, the Social Security Administration requires documentation of your disability.  This documentation is  necessarily medical documentation.  Therefore, having your health care providers at your finger tips will make the application process easier and will increase your chances of earning a favorable decision earlier. The next list is  a list of your medications, what they are prescribed to treat and what side effects you have as a result of the medications.  Side effects from certain medications can be as disabling as the disease they are intended to treat, so be complete in listing the side effects. Third list is a list of your employers for the last 15 years with addresses, and telephone numbers. This list should include a short description of the physical requirements of your job, like how much you had to lift, how much you had to walk, sit and stand.  The final list is a list of the injuries, illnesses or diseases which you contend cause you to be disabled.

Of course there is other information you must provide, but having these lists will be of great help to you. Good Luck.