5 Important Things to Remember about your claim

1. File right away.

Some types of Social Security benefits only start a month after you file for them.  By waiting to file you may be losing benefits to which you are entitled.

2. Always appeal a rejected claim.

You should always appeal through the hearing level, at least.  Also if you are denied by a judge then you should file a new claim.  If you are disabled do not stop fighting untll you get your benefits.

3. Be sure to get examined by your doctors.

If you have your own doctors get evidence from them to support your claim.  Never go to the doctors appointed by Social Security if you do not need to.  Your doctors will be more familiar with you and your condition.

The law requires that the Social Security office try to get evidence from your doctors before they send you to their doctors.

4. Fill out the application carefully.

Often people do not take the time to completely fill out the forms or to list all the problems they have, including psychological problems.  Social Security needs to know about all of your problems in order to make a fair decision on your case.

5. The prior work form is very important.

This is one of the most important forms that you will complete.  Remember, in determining whether or not your are disabled, Social Security is going to first decide whether or not your can do your old jobs.  That means all of the jobs that you have performed for 6 months or more in the last 15 years.  This is why it is so important that they know all of the difficult parts of your past work, especially the heaviest weights that your had to lift or carry, and the extremes of having to walk or be on your feet.  Please take your time and really think about the demands on your prior jobs, and make sure that they are clearly listed in the form.