Need Social Security Disability? Start by Getting Medical Care
Posted by admin on May 15, 2009
Obtaining Social Security disability benefits for a person under the age of 50 is not impossible, but it is much more difficult then it would be for someone over 50, who is considered an older individual. The burden of proof for a younger individual is that there is no work in the national economy that he/she can do. For an older individual, they typically only have to prove that they can no longer do the work that they did in the past 15 years.
If you do not have medical insurance, Social Security will send you to their doctors. These Social Security doctors are not actually there to treat you, but to examine your case impartially and methodically. Because of this, having a record of treatment from independent (non Social Security) doctors is generally the best way to provide proof of your disability. These are physicians with real knowledge of your case and experience with your disability.
If you do not have medical insurance, there are two different places you can go for help. One of these is the county clinic in your county, and the other is a vocational rehabilitation center. County clinics exist to provide care to those without medical insurance. When you first contact these clinics you should not immediately tell them of your medical problems. Often times, when the administrative staff hears about your complicated medical problems, they will tell you that they cannot help you because they do not have proper funding for your condition(s). When they hear of the depth of your disability, they may turn your away without letting you see even one doctor. Instead of providing a long medical history, when you speak to a county clinic, simply state that you a person without medical insurance who needs to see a primary physician. Say nothing else. Then, when you get in to see the doctor, you can provide details about your condition and concerns. Often times, they will send you to specialists for your conditions and pay for it.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program, is a state funded program designed to help people be trained to do some type of work. But before they send you to work, they will look at your existing medical records from previous medical providers and they will also send you to their doctors. They will pay for doctor visits, medications, tests and even surgeries and/or procedures, if warranted. At the end, they will make a determination as to whether they feel you can or cannot work. If they feel you cannot work due to your severe limitations, they will issue a decision stating so and refer you to apply for disability benefits through SS. Having this happen can be really boost your Social Security disability claim, as a government vocational program has already determined you to be unfit to work. And as a “bonus,” you have also received the treatments and medicines you needed without having to pay a penny. On the other hand if they believe that you can work then they will train you and help you find a job. The records from the doctors that vocational rehabilitation sent you to can also be used as evidence in support of your claim for disability benefits.
Once again, without medical treatment, especially for younger individuals, it is almost impossible to get Social Security Disability Benefits. Therefore, you have to get into medical treatment as soon possible.
I found this post very very helpful.
The additional steps add time to process, of course. By the time a claimant has his case heard before a judge, he has often been waiting 2 years. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to anticipate the length of time it will take for a decision to be rendered on a claim for disability benefits. Many claimants struggle to support themselves and their families, while they are in limbo waiting for an answer about their particular social security benefits case. Even those who can work in some capacity find it tricky.
I am able to work but not at what I used to nor can I earn the same money I used to. Can I still file for SS benefits?
The Social Security Administration grants Social Security benefits based on a few considerations. Foremost of these is the extent of your disability as defined by the Social Security Administration. The SSA considers you disabled if you are not able to perform the work that you did before, and that you cannot take up another line of work due to your condition. You will also be considered disabled if your condition is expected to last for a period of one year or more OR if it is expected to result in your death.
I will remember this blog.
Helpful blog. Your blog is really helpful.
Love the post. Better research than most blogs.