When a Tennessee resident is unable to work due to a medical condition, he or she knows that financial hardship could affect the entire family. It is frustrating when you cannot earn a living to support yourself and your loved ones, yet you could have a valid reason to move forward with a claim for disability benefits.
Social Security disability benefits are available to people who cannot work due to medical conditions or physical injuries. Even with a valid claim, however, many initial claims come back denied. Before you even start the application process, you would be wise to know what documents you need, how to prepare your claim and what to expect as you move forward.
Getting ready to apply
In order to successfully apply for disability benefits, you will have to gather certain documents, complete paperwork and present evidence of your current medical condition. Some of the information and documentation you will need to provide includes the following:
- Information about your doctors, including their names, names of practices, phone numbers and addresses
- Documents relating to hospitalizations and treatments received for your disabling medical condition
- Date of doctor visits or visits to emergency rooms, clinics and other care facilities
- Results of any lab tests and diagnostic testing done
- Information about medicine you take, including name, dosage and how long you have taken it
- Information about the work you did before the onset of your disabling medical condition and where you were employed
- Pertinent and recent tax information
The application itself is extensive and complex, and even after providing all of the information you think you may need, you may still have to deal with a denied claim. This is not the end of the road, but you may continue your pursuit of benefits by requesting a reconsideration of your claim.
Fighting after a denied claim
Receiving notice of a denied claim is frustrating, but it is not the end of the road for you. Whether you are completing your initial claim or you are figuring out what to do after a denied claim, you do not have to do it alone.
You will find it particularly helpful to have experienced guidance for the entire process, no matter what step you are on in the process. As you gather documents, prepare to file or continue to fight for financial support, it is prudent to have appropriate guidance and a full understanding of your rights as a disabled individual.