When You Can't Work: Establishing Proof of Your Disability

When you have been injured or struck down with an illness that has left you unable to work, you will need to apply for long-term disability benefits. If you have purchased long-term disability insurance prior to your disability, you will be able to receive payments, depending on the type of policy you invested in. Whether you receive benefits from your long-term disability insurance or get approved for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to prove the nature of your disability and how it prevents you from engaging in gainful employment.

Working with Your Treatment Providers

Whether your disability is physical, emotional, or a combination of both, you will need to work with treatment providers to improve your health. It is important to establish a network of treatment providers and follow through with any recommendations for treatment. When you don't follow through with treatment, it appears as if you aren't as injured as you are claiming to be. Listen closely to your treatment providers, and make sure that you report any changes in your condition. Your providers will be the ones who are providing information to your insurance company or the Social Security Administration regarding your disability, and you want them to be well informed.

Provide Details on Your Application for Benefits

The more information you can provide regarding your disability, the more likely it is that you will begin receiving financial benefits. You don't want to be vague on your application, and you must provide contact information for any treatment providers so that they can be contacted. Make sure that you fill out everything on your application, and if you don't know a piece of information, work hard to find the answer. If the Social Security Administration or your insurance company has follow-up questions, answer them quickly to avoid any further wait time and so benefits can begin to come to you.

Get a Second Opinion

If one doctor believes that you are at a medical end to treatment and you are disabled because of this, you should get a second opinion to confirm this diagnosis. When a second treatment provider is able to confirm that you are disabled and unable to work, this will add strength to your existing application for benefits. While this is not always necessary, it will help you to get a second opinion to see if there are any treatment options out there for you.

When you can't work and need to start receiving disability benefits, it's important to get started on your application immediately.

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