Now, before you lose your mind and think that I am implying that you need to put that you’re CRAZY on your application for disability benefits, I AM NOT!!!!! LOL
When you apply for Disability benefits, it is important that you be honest and truthful about all of your medical conditions that affect that your ability to work.
In this situation, I’m talking to those people who are too proud to admit that they have other issues going on in their medical life that keep them from being able to work. In some instances, when people are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, they are applying based on one condition that they CLEARLY feel is the sole reason that is keeping them from working.
However, most people don’t realize that when Social Security Administration is evaluating whether you are disabled or not, they are looking at the combination of all of the person’s impairments and not just one. However, you have to be careful about a few things:
1) Mention impairments that impact your ability to work
Listen, when you apply for Social Security, don’t take the ‘kitchen sink’ approach. Don’t use this as the opportunity to talk about everything that bother you. The important thing is to focus on those conditions that effect your ability to work.
2) If you are depressed, don’t be ashamed to tell them
For some odd reason, people get embarrassed to admit that they have talked to a doctor about being depressed or that they are being treated for depression. More importantly, people have this fear that they may be viewed differently if people were to find out. Remember, if your depression or anxiety or other mental health problems affect your ability to work, Social Security needs to know about it. These things can actually help your case.
3) If you’ve gotten treatment, let them know
If you went to a therapist or a counselor or a psychiatrist, let Social Security know about it. If you are having additional problems that require you to get treatment, don’t be SHY. Let SSA know so they can determine if it impacts your case.
4) No one will know the reason you get disability except YOU!!
Your disability determination is NOT public record. Your family and friends can’t call the Social Security Administration and find why you’re on disability. That information is private to you and your case. Don’t let it frustrate you. It is private for a reason.
5) They will consider it if you say it.
Remember, SSA is going to investigate information that is provided to them about your case. Don’t HIDE information that may be helpful. Take a hard look at your conditions because it’s better to be upfront now than to make them try and figure out what’s wrong with you.
The important thing to remember is that Social Security has a big responsibility in evaluating all of your conditions as it relates to your ability to work. Don’t be shy about sharing the information because it can go along way to help your case.
Anthony Reeves
http://www.reevesfirm.com
Dedicated to representing the Disabled and the Discriminated
