How to Make a Disability Claim

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Visit the doctor about your injury.

   While you seek treatment for your disability, you will also be required to provide a doctor's proof of your disability and some medical records.
2. 2

   Step 2: Request your medical records

   These are available through the records office and/or reception of most hospitals and clinics. , This will help you to decide if you should apply for social security disability or state disability.
   
   To receive national social security disability, you must be unable to work for a year or longer.
   
   Many state agencies provide disability insurance for shorter recovery periods. , An Internet search using your state's name and the words "disability claim" should yield results and an online or printed disability application.
   
   The state programs differ greatly.
   
   Look for information on qualifications, benefit amounts, duration and application process. , Disability benefits can take a long time to process and may need to be paid retroactively if you receive benefits. , If you are impaired and unable to complete an application process or research the needed documentation, hiring a lawyer to represent and submit your claim may increase your chances of receiving national disability insurance. , You may be limited by your state's application options.
   
   An Internet application may expedite the process. , Provide the following information as applicable: social security number, birth certificate, medical records including names, addresses and dates of all medical attention received, a list of all medication you are currently on, a summary of your recent work up to the last 5 jobs you have had, a copy of your most recent W-2 or tax return and bank account details. , Some doctor's offices send this and a completed application to the state disability insurance office.
   
   If so, complete your application before taking it to your doctor's office. ,,, If you were denied benefits, you can appeal this decision.
   
   It is a good idea to seek counsel from a lawyer and research the social security or state appeals process.
3. 3

   Step 3: so you are aware of all of your doctor's views about your disability.

4. 4

   Step 4: Decide if your disability is a temporary disability or a permanent disability.

5. 5

   Step 5: Research your state's requirements for disability insurance.

6. 6

   Step 6: Begin the application process as soon as you become disabled or know when you will need to be absent from work for your injury.

7. 7

   Step 7: Consider hiring a lawyer if you are making a national social security disability claim.

8. 8

   Step 8: Decide if you would like to apply on the Internet

9. 9

   Step 9: through the mail or by making an appointment at a local State Disability Insurance agency or at a local Social Security office.

10. 10

    Step 10: Fill out the application by yourself

11. 11

    Step 11: with the aid of a disability insurance office or with your lawyer.

12. 12

    Step 12: Furnish your doctor's office with the portion of your application that requires a doctor's signature attesting to the fact that you are disabled and the duration you will be disabled.

13. 13

    Step 13: Make copies of the application and all documentation for your records.

14. 14

    Step 14: Submit your application to the state or federal agency you have chosen.

15. 15

    Step 15: Wait for a letter that tells you whether your application was approved and the amount of benefits you will receive.

Detailed Guide

About the Author