You’ve just filled out your application for Social Security Disability benefits.   Somewhere in that melee of paperwork, you should see a question that asks you to name a few people who are familiar with your condition.    I’m sure you are wondering why they need that information.  After all, you’re the one who’s applying.  Well, the reason is a simple one.  The Social Security Administration wants to speak to others who can provide them information about your condition.

This information is obtained by the Social Security Administration through the use of documents referred to as ‘3^rd party forms’.   Here are a few things you need to know that may help you avoid a delay:

1) Let your people know in advance

If you give SSA the names of individuals, let those individuals know you have given their contact information to SSA.  This way, the person can anticipate official documents.

2) You don’t know what they will say

Regardless of how well you know someone, you really don’t have a clue about what they are going to say.   So don’t try to anticipate their responses.

3) Remind them that it needs to get done

Let’s be real.  People only put a priority on the things that are important to them.  So, don’t be surprised if they don’t fill out the forms and return them to Social Security as fast as you would like them to.   Follow up with them to make sure they get the forms submitted.

4) Use people who know your condition

Make sure you use people who truly know your condition.  Don’t use people who you think will ‘hook you up’ and give you a great response.  You want someone who can give information about your condition based on their observation.

5) If you say something different than them, you may have a problem

Consistency is a huge part of the Disability process.   As such, Social Security is going to evaluate the responses of the people who have observed your condition and compare them to your responses.   So, if there is a huge difference between the responses, SSA is going to have to evaluate those differences.

Unfortunately, Social Security Administration’s need to communicate with other people about your case can cause a delay in the processing of your claim.  Now, I know the last thing you want to hear is that your friends, family members or others can cause your claim to be delayed.    However, if you take a few simple steps, you can prevent too much of a delay.