You’re in pain and unable to work, but the bills keep piling up on the counter. You know it’s time to apply for Social Security Disability, but how do you even get started? Your first step is to start gathering all the documents you will need. This is a time-consuming, detailed step. You will need numerous documents to prove your case, including your birth certificate, W-2s, medical records and any award letters for previous compensation. Here is a partial list to get you started in your quest for Social Security Disability in Pennsylvania:
Personal Information
In addition to your own identifying information, you will also need to provide identifying information on your spouse and children as well as any previous marriages and the resulting deaths or divorces. This is important because having dependents may increase the amount of disability for which you are eligible.
Medical Records
To apply for Social Security Disability, you will need every piece of medical documentation available regarding your specific diagnosis and treatment. Your best bet is to request an entire medical record history from every hospital or clinic you’ve visited since you first started having the medical issues that resulted in your diagnosis. Information you will need includes all the following:
- Every hospital or clinic you’ve attended, the dates you were there and your patient ID numbers at each
- The name of every doctor or specialist you’ve seen and when you saw them
- Every prescription you’ve taken and who has prescribed each one
- Any medical tests that were done on you and the date on which it was done
Employment History
Social Security is reserved for people who have been paying into the program while employed. You will be asked about your current employment, past employment and any other compensation for which you are applying. Information required includes all of the following:
- Name of your current employer and how much money you made last year and this year
- A copy of your Social Security statement
- Any active U.S. military service since 1968
- A list of all jobs you held in the 15 years before your illness made you unable to work
- Worker’s Compensation, state disability or other benefits for which you have already applied or intend to apply (VA benefits are exempt)
If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work required simply to apply for disability, you’re not alone—we’re here to help. Contact an experienced Social Security lawyer in Harrisburg today for help on getting the benefits you need. To set up your free consultation, call Schmidt Kramer at (717) 888-8888.