If you have a disability hearing coming up, you will want to prepare.
Before your hearing, review what records are in your Social Security Disability claims file. Social Security creates an electronic file and labels each record as an exhibit. Requesting a copy of your record will help you to know what records Social Security has collected. As a result, you may want to supplement and submit missing records directly to Social Security. Disability attorneys have access to the files online.
Be prepared with your medication list. To clarify, you will need to explain the types of medications, what it is taken for, the dosage and any side effects.
It is important to know when medical testing and procedures occurred including: surgeries, MRI’s and hospitalizations. As a result, this information will keep you consistent in your testimony and explains why you medically can’t work. More importantly, knowing when your next appointment is demonstrates to the judge that you are actively treating and seeking help for your medical conditions.
Your income is reported to Social Security. Therefore, income guidelines may prevent you from qualifying for disability during periods when you earned too much money. It is important to know the date that your disability began and explain any income received after the date of your disability.
Social Security examines jobs you performed over the last 15 years. This determines what types of jobs you performed and the skills and training you have.
Chores you perform provides insight to the judge on physical activities you participate in at home. You should know how long and how far you can walk, sit, or stand. Likewise, you should know how much you can lift or carry. Stating it varies on the day or it depends on what I am doing is an acceptable answer. Prepare to explain your answers politely and with specific details. Stating “I don’t know” hurts your credibility. As a result, the judge to make his decision based off of your records.