Be Prepared! How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

You’ve been injured in a work accident. You’re ready to apply for Florida Social Security disability benefits, but the rules surrounding benefits are long and confusing.

We know the disability application process can be disheartening. For example:

• The majority of Social Security disability applications are rejected the first time.
• Disability claims take 3 to 5 months to process-longer than any other type of benefit claim.
• Claims are often delayed due to incomplete information, such as missing dates, names or photocopies of forms.

As experienced Social Security disability benefits attorneys, we know you want to take every possible step to get your claim approved quickly. Having all of your documents and disability evidence at hand is the quickest way to getting approved-all it takes is a little preparation.

To get your benefits as fast as possible, make sure you have all the following information for your application:

• Personal information. Make sure that your Social Security number, proof of age, banking information and other personal details are filled out accurately.
• Work information. You will be asked for the name of your employer, a summary of your workplace and a short description of your job duties. You will also need to include a copy of your most recent W-2 tax form and a Military Service discharge form if you were in active duty.
• Medical professional details. You will need to provide the names of doctors, hospitals, clinics, nurses and caseworkers who provided you care, as well as addresses, phone numbers and the dates of your appointments and hospital stays.
• Medical records. Any medical information you have about your injury, including lab results, test results, x-rays or other diagnostic tests from any medical providers.
• Medication requirements. You will be asked the names and dosage information of all the medications you are taking, and length of time you have been taking them.
• Family members information. If someone related to you is applying for benefits, you must provide their ages and Social Security numbers. If your spouse is eligible for benefits, you will need their personal information, wedding dates and proof of marriage.

Considering how long the process takes, you will want to make sure your application is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. So much is riding on your application and Adult Disability Report Form that you may want to consult a Palm Beach Social Security disability attorney for advice. For example, an attorney can help you track down documents and medical records from doctor’s offices-and you can begin your application even before the documents arrive.

If you need help in your Palm Beach Social Security disability case, call Fetterman & Associates today at (866) 865-1244 for a free consultation.