Applying for disability in Clearwater requires claimants to fill out numerous forms, some of which can seem complicated. While this process can feel tedious, a strong SSDI application must meet SSA requirements and contain thorough documentation.
Form SSA-16-BK, Application for Disability Insurance Benefits
Form SSA-16-BK, Application for Disability Insurance Benefits, serves as the starting point for the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is used to determine whether or not an individual is eligible for disability, and if so, SSA can collect additional documentation to establish medical disability. This form is lengthy and requires information such as the individual’s background and when they stopped work.
Form SSA-3368-BK, Adult Disability Report
Form SSA-3368-BK, Adult Disability Report, begins with basic background information, such as mailing address, date of birth, educational achievements, height, and weight. It will ask about the applicants medical conditions and everything they believe is limiting their ability to work. It is important to provide information about every medical condition an individual has because Social Security is going to review this form and make a decision based on the information. To maximize an individual’s chance of success, it is important to be as thorough and comprehensive as possible.
Work History
This form also has questions about the claimant’s work history. SSA wants to know what type of work the individual has done in the past, when they stopped working, and why. Sometimes, people do not stop working abruptly. They may begin by reducing their hours and then ultimately stop work completely. SSA asks applicants to list each job they had over the last 15 years, and, to the best of their recollection, indicate dates of employment, hours worked, and rate of pay.
The work history part of this form can be very detailed. Applicants must describe all of the activities involved in their job, including how much time they may have spent walking, standing, sitting, handling objects, writing, or reaching. They must answer questions about how much weight they had to lift and if they had management or supervisory duties. All of these answers factor into the analysis of a disability claim.
Medical Treatment
The claimant should list their medical treatment along with their doctor’s contact information and specialty. Other helpful information can include documentation from medical testing, such as lab work. For example, if the applicant has a heart condition, they may present EKG or treadmill test results.
As SSA looks over the additional information on this form, they begin to collect medical records from the listed providers. These records ultimately help them make a decision about whether the claimant meets the guidelines for disabilities. It is important to be detailed when filling out the Adult Disability Workbook to give SSA a complete picture of the disability. Sometimes, when reports are incomplete, it brings the application process to a halt, which is the last thing someone needs when seeking benefits.
Form SSA-3369-BK, Work History Report
Form SSA-3369-BK, Work History Report, asks for information about the applicant’s past jobs. This form includes questions about rates of pay, hours, and physical and mental demands of the work. The administration wants to know what type of job the individual was primarily engaged in. For example, skilled employment may require knowledge of programs, tool skills, or additional educational requirements. Most of the questions are straight forward, but again, the claimant should approach the completion of forms with caution and care
Form SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to the SSA
Form SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to the SSA, gives the SSA authorization to request medical records. SSA uses medical records to develop the individual’s file and ultimately make a decision about whether or not the claimant meets the guidelines for disability. This form only requires a signature and personal information, such as their address and phone number. Social Security will send this form along with a specific request to all of the individual’s medical providers.
Let an SSDI Attorney Help With Your Application
An SSDI application in Clearwater requires numerous forms, some of which may seem tedious or confusing to first-time applicants. Fortunately, help is available from an experienced SSDI attorney. A compassionate lawyer could help you assemble a strong claim for benefits or appeal your denied claim. Call today to schedule a consultation.
