what paperwork do i need ro take for my first visit to ssi lawyer

by Dayton Treutel 9 min read

Documents to bring to your first meeting with an SSI attorney include … Medical Records and Doctors’ Written Opinions Work History An SSI Benefits Denial Notice (If You’ve Been Denied) These are documents you’ll need to prove your disability with the SSA. Let’s take a brief look at each of these. Medical Records and Doctors’ Written Opinions

Full Answer

What documents do I need to apply for Social Security benefits?

Documents to bring to your first meeting with an SSI attorney include … Medical Records and Doctors’ Written Opinions Work History An SSI Benefits Denial Notice (If You’ve Been Denied) These are documents you’ll need to prove your disability with the SSA. Let’s take a brief look at each of these. Medical Records and Doctors’ Written Opinions

What should I bring to my Social Security disability interview?

You will need to apply for a Social Security number if you do not have one. If you need one, a number will be assigned at the time Social Security entitles you to SSI benefits. PROOF OF AGE. a public birth record recorded before age 5; or. a religious birth record recorded before age 5; or. other documents showing your age or date of birth.

What information does social security need for a disability checkup?

Having said that, SSD, or Social Security Disability, needs information about Workers Compensation and public disability program benefits you may have received because workman's compensation and public disability program benefits may offset Social Security Disability benefits. You should bring in any paperwork you have that involves any of these programs …

How to apply for a Social Security card?

You can apply for SSI benefits by: Visiting our Apply Online for Disability Benefits website to start the disability application process online. You may be eligible to apply for SSI through the online disability application. Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing) and making an appointment to ...

What do I need to bring to SSI interview?

Prepare for your disability interview: tips from Social SecurityDates you last worked;The names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of visits to your doctors;The names of medications that you take and medical tests you've had; and.Marital information.Feb 23, 2017

What questions are asked in a SSI interview?

Dates you last worked. Your doctor's names, address, phone numbers, and dates of visits. Names of medications you take. Names of medical tests you've had.Apr 21, 2021

How long does it take to get SSI Once approved?

about 3 to 5 months* How long does it take to make a decision? Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision.

What documents are required for Social Security benefits?

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Retirement Benefits?Your Social Security card or a record of your number.Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ... If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.More items...

What should you not say in a disability interview?

The following five statements should never be announced at your disability hearing.“I can't work because no one will hire me.” ... “I don't know why I'm here. ... “I don't do chores because my significant other, friend or family member does them.” ... “I have never used drugs or alcohol in my life.”More items...•Oct 17, 2014

What should you not say when applying for Social Security disability?

Do not say things like, “I want to work” or “If I could work, I would.” By saying such statements, a judge may get the picture that you could possibly work. The point is that there are some people with extreme disabilities who do work but this is not the point that you should be making at your hearing.

How much back pay will SSI pay?

The SSI awards back payments in installments. You will receive a third of the back pay due to you soon after approval, one six months later, and the final payment after another six months. Note: If the SSA deems you “presumptively disabled,” you can begin receiving benefits before the SSA approves your application.

What is the most approved disability?

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.Dec 16, 2021

How much will the SSI checks be in 2021?

SSI Monthly Payment Amounts, 1975-2022YearCOLAaEligible individual20192.8%771.0020201.6%783.0020211.3%794.0020225.9%841.0019 more rows

Does SSI ask for bank statements?

We'll ask you the same kind of questions you answered when you applied for SSI. We'll need information about your income, your resources, your living arrangements, and your bank accounts. Keep the savings or checking account statements you get from your bank. You may need them when we review your case.

When should I apply for SSI?

You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December, and apply in August.Aug 23, 2021

Does SSI check your bank account every month?

The simple answer is no, but there are some reasons that your bank account may be checked if you're applying for Social Security benefits.Oct 30, 2021

You Can Apply For SSI Benefits by

Visiting our Apply Online for Disability Benefits page to start the disability application process online. You may be eligible to apply for SSI thr...

You Have The Right to Receive Help from Social Security

We will complete the application forms for you based on information you give to us.We will help you get documents you need to show that you meet th...

You Have The Right to A Representative

You may appoint someone as your representative to help you with your SSI claim and go with you to your appointment(s) with us.

You Have The Right to A Notice

We will notify you in writing of any decision about your SSI eligibility or change in benefit amount. We will also send copies of all notices to yo...

You Have The Right to Examine Your File

You or your appointed representative may request and examine or get a copy of the information in your case file. Also, you or your representative m...

You Have The Right to Appeal

You may appeal most determinations we make about your eligibility for SSI or changes we make in your benefit amount.

What to do if you don't have paperwork for SSI?

If you do not have paperwork, you should be able to provide verbal information about your workers compensation or public disability benefits. SSI Disability requires the claims representative, or CR, to evaluate your income and resources because they are factors of eligibility for this needs based disability program.

What information is needed for Social Security Disability?

Marriages, Children, and Military Service. In addition to all of the medical and work information, Social Security will need information about your marriages, children, income, resources, and military service dates to process non-medical requirement issues that are involved in the disability claims process.

What is the Social Security Disability Evaluation process?

Social Security Disability examiners must evaluate all of your past work and your potential to do other kinds of work considering your functional limitations, age, education and the transferability of your work skills. Social Security uses a five step sequential evaluation process in which step four and five are evaluations of a) ...

Why is it important to establish the earliest onset date for disability?

This will be important from the standpoint of proving your dis ability onset date. Establishing the earliest possible onset date will allow Social Security to give you the highest amount possible in disability back pay. It may also eliminate a medicare waiting period if the claim you have filed is for title 2 Social Security Disability benefits, ...

What does Social Security need to know about past work?

Yet this is exactly what Social Security needs in order to properly classify a person's past work and properly assess their level of work skills . It can literally make the difference between being approved for disability or denied for disability. Marriages, Children, and Military Service.

Do I need to provide Social Security at the time of my disability interview?

You should be prepared to provide Social Security at the time of your disability interview with the name of your spouse, the date you were married, and the date of your divorce if applicable. With regard to marriages and divorces, it is helpful if you bring in marriage certificates and divorce decrees for your marriages.

Does title 2 SSI come with Medicare?

It may also eliminate a medicare waiting period if the claim you have filed is for title 2 Social Security Disability benefits, versus title 16 SSI (which does not come with medicare coverage, but, rather, with medicaid benefits). Tip: Since the information contained in the medical records will provide the core basis for any decision made on your ...

How do I apply for SSI?

You can apply for SSI benefits by: Visiting our Apply Online for Disability Benefits website to start the disability application process online. You may be eligible to apply for SSI through the online disability application. Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing) and making an appointment ...

Where can I get a copy of my case file?

You or your appointed representative may request and examine or get a copy of the information in your case file. Also, you or your representative may access www.ssa.gov/ssi/ssi-law-regs.htm to review and copy the laws, regulations and policy statements used in deciding your case.

When does SSI end for disabled youth?

If you are a disabled youth in foster care, eligibility for foster care payments in most States ends when you attain age 18. You may need the income support and health services that result from SSI eligibility to ease the transition to independent living.

Can I file for unemployment benefits earlier than 60 days?

We cannot pay benefits for time periods earlier than the effective date of your application. If you call us to make an appointment to apply and you file an application within 60 days, we may use the date of your call as your application filing date. If you do not keep this appointment and you do not contact us to reschedule the appointment, ...

What documents are required for a credit report?

All financial documents, including bank account statements, receipts for major purchases, wage statements, and tax returns; A list of your creditors that you owe money, and their contact information, account numbers, and how much money you owe each one;

What to do if you can't find a bankruptcy document?

If you can’t find a document that you think you need for your bankruptcy or if you forgot to bring a document to a meeting with your lawyer, you should tell your attorney as soon as possible, so that they can take note and take the appropriate action to help you.

What is the most important thing to do when filing for bankruptcy?

The last point is especially important. For the most effective bankruptcy filing, it is crucial that you are completely transparent with your attorney. Make sure you take note of any questions, legal inquiries, or laws that you may wish to address with your attorney.

How do I get a corrected Social Security card?

To get a corrected Social Security card, you will need to: Show the required documents. You will need proof of your identity. Sometimes you also may need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. See Learn What Documents You Need for more information.

Can I change my name on my Social Security card?

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a card online. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.

What type of information is needed for a disability claim?

A claimant who files for disability based on type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and depression needs to provide the following types of information in support of her claim: a physical RFC (from a heart and lung doctor), a mental RFC (from a psychiatrist) a statement from both the doctor and the psychiatrist saying drugs ...

What is a listing in SSA?

The SSA outlines a number of conditions that, if all the criteria are met, are eligible for automatic approval. These conditions are known as "listings." If your doctor thinks that your condition qualifies for automatic approval under a listing, the doctor should complete a listing form that explains his or her opinion and provide the appropriate medical documentation. Here is an example.

What are some things that a mental RFC should discuss?

Here are some things that a mental RFC should discuss: your ability to understand, remember, and carry out simple instructions. your ability to interact with co-workers. your ability to react to criticism or authority figures. your ability to interact with the general public. your memory.

What does SSA do?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) relies on doctor's records and medical evidence to determine whether you are disabled. Although the SSA will request records from the list of providers you have given them, it is your responsibility to ensure that the agency has received all of your pertinent medical records, ...

Do you need to provide medical records to the SSA?

You need to provide medical records only from the doctors who have treated you for your disabling condition. If you have multiple disabilities, you will need to provide the SSA with medical records from all of the different doctors who have treated you. Make sure that you don't provide the SSA with irrelevant medical records.

Accuracy

With Affleck & Gordon, we make sure we conduct a thorough intake consultation with our clients to provide as much clarity as possible regarding what the SSA expects from a claimant to have their claim approved. When you begin your SSI claim, you have several options. You can file your claim online if you meet certain categories.

Communication

One of the greatest benefits of having a lawyer for SSI on your side is that we’ll communicate as a team with you and the SSA, and the SSA will also contact your legal team throughout the process at all times. We’ll also communicate with you every step of the way.

We Know the Law

It’s often said that “you don’t know what you don’t know.” At Affleck & Gordon, we know the law and the intricacies that could trip up your claim. We know the right documents needed to support your claim so that you are more likely to receive the appropriate benefits for your disability.

We Fight For You

Simply put, the Social Security Administration may move quicker when they see that you have legal representation. They understand that legal teams take on cases deemed winnable, and that the best SSI lawyers will fight to win on behalf of their clients.

Who Are We?

We’re Affleck & Gordon, and we’re a firm dedicated to assisting disabled and injured people in Georgia. Tens of thousands of our clients receive Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with our team on their side.