How to Help a Loved One Apply for SSDI
If you have a family member or friend who can no longer work because of a physical ailment, you may be wondering how to help someone apply for disability.
Navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process can be overwhelming, especially for someone dealing with the challenges of a disability. And your support can make a big difference.
Here’s how you can help your loved one apply for SSDI and increase their chances of getting the benefits they need.
Understand the Basics of SSDI
Before you start the application process, it’s important to understand the basics of SSDI.
SSDI provides financial support to people who can’t work due to a serious medical condition that’s expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
To qualify, your loved one needs to have earned enough work credits through paying Social Security taxes during their employment. We offer a free report called “An Honest Guide to Disability” that walks you through the process and some of the most common causes of denial.
Gather Necessary Information
The first step in helping your loved one apply for SSDI is gathering all the necessary information. You will need:
Personal Information
This includes their Social Security number, birth certificate, and employment history.
Medical Records
Medical records will be one of the most important factors in your success. Collect detailed medical records that show the diagnosis, treatments, and how the condition affects their ability to work.
This may include doctors’ notes, test results, and hospital records. The more information you can provide, the better.
How Their Disability Impacts Their Work
In addition, you’ll want to tie the person’s disability to their work performance. How has it kept them from earning an income?
This might include personal testimony, doctors’ statements, notes from performance reviews, and any other evidence that will bolster their claim and help the SSA understand.
Work History
You’ll need to have on hand a list of all jobs held in the past 15 years, including job titles, duties, and dates of employment.
While it can feel tedious to gather everything, having all this information ready will make the application process smoother and reduce delays.
Help with the Application Itself
Your loved one can apply for SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
You can assist them in filling out the application by making sure all the information is accurate, honest, and complete. Pay close attention to details, as even small mistakes can lead to delays or denials.
Keep Track of Medical Appointments
Medical evidence is crucial for an SSDI claim, so it’s important to make sure your loved one continues seeing their doctor and following all recommended treatments.
Keep a continued record of all medical appointments, medications, and treatments. This will help provide even more strong evidence that supports their claim.
Communicate with the Social Security Administration
Once you submit the application, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may request additional information or clarification.
Make sure your loved one responds promptly to any requests from the SSA. You can help by keeping track of deadlines and gathering any additional documents they might need.
In addition, if their ongoing medical care means a change in their diagnosis or treatment plan, keep the SSA informed.
Prepare for a Possible Appeal
Unfortunately, the SSA tends to deny a lot of claims on the first try. If this happens, don’t get discouraged. It’s extremely common, and you can help your loved one by filing an appeal.
An appeal involves additional paperwork and may require attending a hearing. This is where having an SSDI lawyer can make a big difference. And they only get paid if they win your case.
You only have 60 days after the initial claim gets denied, so don’t wait to contact a disability lawyer.
Encourage them
I recently helped a family member through the SSDI process, and my encouragement really made a difference. It can feel so overwhelming to fight for benefits while dealing with serious illness or impairment.
In addition, they will likely face really long wait times and some disappointments in the process. Stay by their side and remind them that they aren’t alone. And if it feels over their head or impossible, perhaps they should seek legal help.
Help Them Hire an SSDI Lawyer
An experienced disability lawyer like our Memphis SSDI team can help navigate the complex application and appeal process.
We make sure your application includes all necessary documents. We represent your loved one at hearings and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
And we don’t win a penny until your loved one does. Even then, it’s just a small fraction of their back pay, so they keep everything moving forward.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
As an SSDI lawyer in Memphis, I understand how challenging this process can be for both the applicant and their loved ones.
Our firm is dedicated to helping families secure the benefits they need and deserve. We provide compassionate, expert support every step of the way, from the initial application to the appeals process.
If you need help guiding your loved one through the SSDI process, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on supporting your loved one.