When you are preparing to submit a claim for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you want to provide the most complete information available.
The Social Security Administration relies on evidence of the medical issue that keeps you from working, and you can gather this information yourself.
Saving time
With your permission, the Social Security Administration (SSA) could gather the medical records pertinent to your case. However, this approach can take months. You can save time by collecting the information yourself. Some records are free, such as blood test and x-ray results and prescription drug records. You may have to pay a small administrative fee to obtain other medical records from your file.
Supporting your claim for a physical impairment
The Physical Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form will include a signed letter from your doctor with a diagnosis, onset date and how the symptoms limit your ability to work. Medical records and treatment notes should accompany the information on this form.
Supporting your claim for a mental impairment
If you are applying for SSD benefits because of a mental impairment, your psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist or counselor can sign the Mental Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. This form should include letters from caregivers or nonprofit agencies that provide help to you, psychiatric evaluations or neuropsychological test results, files from a vocational rehabilitation program, and assessments as to how well you function given the impairment.
Filing your claim
The effort you put in to assemble and submit the medical information the SSA requires will save precious time during the application process. You can rely on the help of professionals in making sure you have all the documentation you need to support your claim for benefits.
