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You Are Going To Have To Work To Prove You Are Disabled!

Don’t misunderstand the title of this post. I’m not saying you need to go back to work in order to get Social Security Disability.  After all, the main reason you are applying for Social Security is because you can’t work.

Still, it’s important that you understand the reality of the current climate:

“The prolonged economic slump has fueled a surge in applications for Social Security disability benefits, with many desperate Americans seeking refuge in the program as a last resort after their unemployment insurance and savings run out. “Damian Peletta and Dionne Searcy, Jobless Tap Disability Fund, Wall Street Journal, December 26, 2011.

“Republicans in Congress continue to press to destroy the American social safety net. They insist Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as other social programs, remain ‘on the table’ for major cuts and restructuring — which could end them as we know them.” Donald E. Maypole, Republicans are out to destroy our safety net, Duluth News Tribune, January 8, 2012

“The Social Security Administration has commissioned an independent review of the federal disability system amid concerns it awards benefits to those who don’t deserve them and denies benefits to those who do.”  Damian Paletta, Disability Systems Faces Review, Wall Street Journal, December 14, 2011.

“The takeaway is that you can’t rely on anyone, least of all a government program that’s outlived its usefulness, to keep you fat and happy in your dotage”. Greg MacFarlane, Will Social Security Live to See 80?, Financial Edge, December 19, 2011.
Face it, folks. We have what a perfect storm: On the one hand, more and more Americans are turning to Social Security as a potential revenue stream yet, on the other hand, a good number of our elected officials are at least considering cutting back on the program, viewing it as a strain on the national economy.

So what does that mean to you?  It means that the Social Security Administration is probably going to be more critical when evaluating disability cases, so you need to make sureyou have everything you need in order to prove that you are disabled:

1) You must prove you are disabled.

I have said this a million times so we will make this a million and one:  you must prove that you are disabled.  You have to go to the doctors.  You have to get the medical records.  You have to follow the treatment.  You and only you have to prove you are disabled.  Stop whining about how you are entitled to receive something.  The only entitlement you have is to apply, not receive.

2) You’d better try to find any medical treatment you can.

I have three words for you: know your area.  In other words, you need to investigate every resource that is available to you in your area.  Contact the Health Department.  Contact Social Services.  Find out if there are any free clinics in the area.  See if your county or city offers any free health insurance.  Make sure you apply.  Make sure you keep a copy of all of your attempts.

3) Most sick people try to find something.

You have to think about this logically.  Most people want to feel better.  So, if someone feels bad, they try to improve their situation.  If you hear voices telling you to hurt yourself, most hospitals have the ability to admit you so you don’t hurt yourself.  Most people who are in pain will go to the drug store and get something.  You won’t get much sympathy if you do absolutely nothing.

4) Do exactly what the doctor tells you.

The true measure of your disability is based on how you are doing after you receive medical treatment.  Unless you went to medical school, your best bet is to do what your doctor tells you to do.  Don’t make excuses.  Do what they say and be smart.  If you can’t find money to buy fruits or vegetables but you can find money to buy cigarettes or alcohol, you are not going to get much sympathy.

5) Do what your representative tells you.

If you have hired a representative, they are your best resource for information on how to fix problems with your case.  If they tell you to do something, they are doing this for your benefit.  They are not guessing or making stuff up.  They see a problem.  Help them fix it.

It’s tough out there.  We all know it.  It’s even tougher when you can’t support yourself due to your disability.  However, don’t waste your time thinking that you are entitled to receive something.  You gotta fight for what you want because it will not be given to you without more.

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