What papers do I need to take to sign up for SSA disability I am 56?

Question

I am 56 yrs. old In 1994 I crushed my back falling from a deer stand, I work 12 yrs. after the accindent & just retired from my employer after 38 yrs. I am considering SSA disability, I can not type every word that my MRI says, But here is a summary, I have bulging disc in C-3-4 Down Through C7. I have a 50% compression fracture on my T-12 verterbratate from that fall 12 years ago, After 12 yrs. my MRI still shows a 50% fracture< yes I have worked in pain for 12 yrs. I do take 12 pain pills a day. & still have much pain, I went to Chirpractor for years & now Phyiscal Therapy But to no benefit. In my Lumbar back I have Bulging disc fromL1-2 Through L5-S1, with Ligamentum flavum * facet hypertrophy I have severe narrowing of the central canal, I have compression on the thecal sac in several places. Plus I have bone spurs through out my back, I have had 3 docotrs tell me back surgery is out of the question, with so much going on. Does anyone out there know if this will quaify for SSA Dis

Answer 1

Start by getting copies of all of your medical records from when you initially injured your back, to date. It also wouldn't hurt to get letters from each of the doctors stating that surgery is not an option for you. Then go to www.socialsecurity.gov and fill out the application for disability. *Very Important* once you have completed the application, make sure you keep a copy of it for your records!!! Once you have submitted your application, you will be contact for an appointment with a case worker. When you go for your appointment, take a copy of all your medical records, originals of the letters from your doctors (keep a copy for your records), as well as a list of all medications (dosage and mg) that you take daily with you to your appointment. Have them well organized and present them to your case worker.

Since I am not a case worker for Social Security, I can't tell you for a fact that you will be approved for disability, but from reading what you have written, I would say that there is probably a better than 75% chance that you will be approved.

You may also want to dig around on the SSA website, I know there is a copy of there disability manual that outlines what qualifies for disability as I found it at one time, but for the life of me, I cannot remember where on the site it was located.

Answer 2

It is hard to tell since you worked 12 years after the injury and retired form your last job. If you had quit because of the back pain you might have a better chance..but you never know until you try, at your age you may qualify......especially with the medical history. However you may have to convince them that you took early retirement because of the pain. Your doctor should be abel to advise you in this area.
I can tell you that SSI is slower than molases. I applied in December of last year for knee problems, and they just sent me to one of thier doctors, which they will probably do if you apply, however the doctor they sent me to also told me I had a heart murmer and congestive hear failure, all you can do is apply and see what happens you will automatically have a six month wait, and I don't know how long it will take after the six months for them to reach a decision on my case, so you could be looking at close to a year after you first apply. It is wise to have a lawyer standing by in any case, they work pro bono and will take a percentage of what you get from SSI from the date you first applied, this is a one shot deal.
I would go ahead and give it a try, all they can say is no, then you can fight it with a lawyer after they make the initial decision, you may be approved without a lawyer, you just never know about SSI disability. Good Luck in whatever you do.

Answer 3

To sign up for your benefits you need to take your social security card, your birth certificate, marriage certificate, a copy of your last pay stub or tax return and a list of the doctors you see or were treated by. The SSA will request copies of your records on their own and they *may* send you out for an exam by one of their doctors. Call your local office and set up an appointment to apply. They will mail you some of the paperwork prior to your appointment to give you a head start. You can also apply for DIB benefits on line at www.ssa.gov.

Also, go to http://www.severe.net and click on LISTINGS. This will show you what criteira you need to meet based on your condition.

Mainly, what you need to prove is that you have been unable to work for a period of 12 months or are expected to be unable to work for at least 12 months.

With your age and work history, you should be ok, but may still receive a denial (or two). If you have to go to a hearing, I would recommend finding an attorney in your area. National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives- www.nosscr.org

Answer 4

It all depends on what there state doctors determine. Be prepared for a fight. Sometimes they will drag it out for years. But The best advice I can give you is to apply now. They have to pay you if approved retroactive from the day you applied. If you are denied than get a lawyer that specializes in disability. Bring your medical records, birth certificate, Social security cards, etc. Good Luck

Answer 5

Go Here:
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_adult_eng.htm

No one can tell if you will qualify for SS disability benefits. They are approved by state boards and the boards differ. It is free to apply and there is an extensive appeals process. Expect to wait 6 months for a reply and don't be surprised if the first answer is no.

Answer 6

If you get denied, consider hiring an attorney or a representative who specializes in SSD.

Answer 7

go to your local social security office

Answer 8

Go to www.socialsecurity.gov

I think you can apply online or download the forms.

Answer 9

GO TO YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION