If you or a loved one suffered a life-changing injury or illness, you know that physical, emotional and financial stress can weigh on your family. Thankfully, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits to support you and your family during this trying time.
However, the application process can be stressful. To reduce that stress, one thing that Pennsylvania families should consider is keeping a record of their injury.
There are two primary reasons it is important to keep your own detailed record of your or your loved one’s condition:
1. The SSA requires specific information about your condition
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will need specific details about you or your loved one’s medical condition and medical care. For example, you will have to provide the SSA with information, such as:
- The contact information of the health care providers who treated your condition;
- The symptoms and details of your injury or illness;
- The medications you take for your illness; and
- All of the treatment you have received for this condition.
In general, it is safe to err on the side of caution. No detail is too small when it comes to your application. Of course, the SSA requires details about many other factors, including your work, and income. However, one of the most common reasons the SSA denies applications for benefits is the lack of evidence or proof of your medical condition.
So, it is critical to be as specific and detailed as possible.
2. It keeps you informed and prepared
Keeping a detailed record also helps to ensure that:
- You have this information readily available to support your claim; and
- You have the information you need organized for your application.
Therefore, it is helpful to document:
- All of the symptoms you experience;
- All of the medications prescribed to you; and
- How your injury or illness develops.
It also helps to make copies and keep files of all of the information or bills you receive from your physician.
Maintaining a record might sound tedious, but it can actually help to reduce your stress in the long run. In these cases, it is also helpful to consult an experienced Pennsylvania SSDI attorney to help you understand your rights and how to move forward to obtain the benefits you deserve.
