Practical Tips When Applying for Disability - December 2011

Having successfully navigated through the Social Security Disability Application process, I can honestly say, I can offer some sound advice to someone who needs their benefits but has had their application denied. Below is an article that I believe does a fairly good job at letting you know what to expect as far as preparation goes. But there are a few steps missing from a practical standpoint that I felt I could offer interpretation of what the SSA notices actually mean if you have been denied and are, in fact disabled because of Hepatitis C, or any other disability that falls in the "Title II" category, (most disabilities that are not visibly obvious, such as Title 1; the blind or wheel chair bound, for example) .
1. The Social Security Administration, as part of their procedure, usually denies many application for disability that would fall into the Title II category. So don't get discouraged. This has improved much in recent years, but I know it still happens to many applicants with perfectly legitimate claims.

Practical Tips When Applying for Disability

Jacques Chambers, CLU
Benefits Consultant

Posted December 19, 2011 < (still relevant despite the date)

Leaving work and applying for disability benefits can be stressful and even traumatic. It’s hard enough to deal with Hepatitis B and/or C without adding the paperwork and the doubts caused when dealing with Social Security and disability insurance companies. Over the years of doing this work, I have found that there are several things you can do to facilitate the process.

ON LEAVING WORK
People dealing with a chronic condition such as hepatitis rarely leave work without some notice. Unlike being in an accident that causes someone to suddenly be unable to work, there is time, sometimes even years, when you are able to work, but also realize that sometime in the future, you may become unable to work.

Plan Ahead – Once you have a diagnosis or other indication that you may have to stop working at some time in the future you should do a “Benefit Review” so you will know what benefits are available, what you have to do to become eligible for them, how you will cover medical bills and how much income you will have when you stop working. The earlier in advance you do this review, the greater the possibility of making changes to enhance your benefits when and if you do become disabled. Make sure you have all the current plan documents from your employer and copies of any individual policies you may also have. As well, get a Summary of Earnings from Social Security to see what your projected disability benefit will be.

Read entire Article at "hcvadvocate.org"

Practical Tips When Applying for Disability - December 2011