When applying for social security disability, what is the best approach when you

1. 71

   backporchstoriesposted 13 years ago

   When applying for social security disability, what is the best approach when you have little money?
   
   I have to gather medical records, which have since been destroyed.  With little money in my pocketbook, how can I prepare myself for applying for disability with a herniated back?  Are there resources out there for those with low or no income?  Where do I start?

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2. 59

   Leaderofmanyposted 13 years ago

   Gather as much information as you can, be as honest as you can about your injury. If you have seen a dr. that you think may not be significant add it anyway. Fill in every blank in the form. The extra page that is added, use it. Make them understand how your day is. Make them understand how your life has changed. If you were an active person before the injury be sure to stress that.
   Most people are denied on the first time, don't give up. redo the application have someone help you there are things that you may not realize about yourself that someone else sees. You may think that you get along fine all day, yet you can't always dress yourself if your back hurts too bad. Can you tie your shoes? Remember what has changed.

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3. 53

   slywas007posted 13 years ago

   In order to qualify for social security disability benefits you must be totally disabled, and can not work at all in any type of job. There is a list of medical conditions that they have on their website that list which conditions will be approved.  I found this page on their website that maybe helpful to you at https://secure.ssa.gov/iCLM/dib There is everything you need to know about finding out if your medical condition meets the guidelines for disability.  I would also recommend that you visit a lawyer that specializes in disabilities with the Social Security Administration.  Good luck and feel better.

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   1. 71

      backporchstoriesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the info.  My real problem is getting xrays when no money is available for that.  I am in hopes a lawyer can help me out in this situation.  Along with my herniated back making my life uncomfortable, there is carpel tunnel and a trick knee

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4. 51

   whonunuwhoposted 13 years ago

   You don't need a lot of money when you get a lawyer who specializes in social security disability cases and there are several good ones. They take no money up front and deduct what is owed later after the settlement. You may need to go through the paces as applying to vocational rehabilitation. If it is deemed that you can not be employed because of your disability, then the next step is to get doctors bills and diagnoses. Keep all pertinent information and go to the attorney who will help organize your records and proceed from there. I went through this several years ago and it took me longer back then. I was back payed for about two years of bills because of my disability. You can go back to doctors offices and ask that copies be made of older records. Good luck to all and don't give up.

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      backporchstoriesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks!  The initial injury occurred over 20 years ago and those records no longer exist.  I have tried!  So now I hope the lawyer knows of a cheap doctor for xrays!  Be checking it out soon and thanks for the info!

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5. 38

   little mikeyposted 13 years ago

   have a strong history of your condition, or serious medical condition which would easily be approved, get multiple doctors to sign off, make sure all your paper work is in. all prior pay stubs, bank accts, loans, anything financial, previous years tax forms, make sure someone in the family writes his part. there was a huge section that my dad filled out, like pages long. esp in depression, or addiction cases, need a huge history, multiple hospitalizaions, etc. go down the check list they give you to have all that paper work complete at one sitting. I was very fortunate I did get ssd on the 1st try. often it involves getting a lawyer involved and that gets costly when you have little money to spare. Nothing is worse than finding out you don't have some stupid form you left out, it's a lengthy procedure but when you are desperate and in need it's eventually worth the trouble.

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