When you are struggling with a medical condition that prevents you from working, it is much more than an inconvenience. Your mental or physical state affects virtually every area of your life, including your financial well-being. When you are no longer able to work because of your health, you could be eligible for certain types of financial support.
Through the Social Security Administration, you could be eligible for disability benefits. This means that you could have a rightful claim to this specific type of financial support if you have a qualifying condition. However, there is more to this process than simply having a medical condition. There are certain steps you have to take in order to successfully apply for and obtain what you need.
What should you do first?
One of the most important steps to take is to find out if you are truly eligible. Simply having a serious medical condition may not be enough to qualify for you disability benefits, especially if you do not have enough medical documentation to validate your claim. If you have a condition that lasted for at least one year or will ultimately result in death, you may be eligible.
Preparation is key to a successful disability claim. Gathering certain documentation is a required step, and it is better to be ready with everything you need before you begin the complex process of completing your application. Some of the specific types of documents and information you may need to include:
- Family information regarding marriages, divorces and birth of children
- Records of any current or previous military service
- Financial information
- Contact information for a person who can speak to your medical condition
- Records of doctor visits, surgeries or ongoing care needs
- Documentation for any medication you are taking related to your condition
- Information about your previous employment for the past 15 years
- Documents and information about any workers’ compensation claim you made
Each case is different, and you may need to have information regarding specific things unique to your individual situation. Even with appropriate documentation and completed paperwork, many initial claims come back denied. This may be discouraging information for you, but you have the right to appeal or request a reconsideration of your claim.
Many Ohio applicants find the claims process frustrating and complex. Like others, you may want to discuss your concerns and learn more about eligibility requirements before you move forward with your claim.