What to Do While Waiting for Social Security

Social Security can be a long, frustrating process where you may not hear anything about your case for months at a time.  From start to finish, the Social Security Disability waiting period can take upwards of two or more years to get disability benefits. 

So, What Should You Do in the Meantime?

First and foremost, keep on top of your Social Security case.  When they send you forms, you usually have ten days to fill them out.  If you don’t complete their forms, you may be denied solely for lack of cooperation.

Attend All Doctors Appointments

Be sure to attend any doctor’s appointments they set for you.  These appointments are important and if you cannot go to the appointment, call Social Security and have them reschedule it.  If you haven’t heard anything from Social Security in a couple of months, call and check the status of your case. 

Make Sure Your Address is Current

Make sure Social Security has your current address and phone number.  Because of the financial hardships involved when someone becomes disabled, people tend to move around.  Don’t assume that because you changed your driver’s license or forwarded your mail that Social Security received your address change. 

Send your address change to the local office, and depending on where your case is, to Disability Determination Services or the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.  Be sure to keep a copy of your letter sending your address change.

Continue with Medical Care

Equally important is to continue your medical care.  Social Security and the Administrative Law Judges have to rely on what is in your medical record.  It doesn’t matter how bad your pain is if you haven’t been to a doctor in a year and a half.  Insurance is a huge problem for people waiting for Social Security.  If you have to, go to free clinics or the emergency room. 

Also see if you qualify for insurance through your state.  Make sure you take your medications as directed and try to be compliant with your doctor’s recommendations.

Keep All Your Medical Records

Keep a complete record of your medical records.  Social Security subpoenas your medical records but almost never has a complete set.  You can and should submit your records to them at every point in the process. 

If you choose to hire an attorney, your attorney will be much better prepared to handle your case if there is a complete set of medical records to look at, rather than trying to chase down records the week before your hearing. 

If and when you receive a denial on your claim, you will see what records Social Security used to decide your case.  You can then submit any records that are missing when you appeal.

Keep a Journal

Keep a journal of your activities and pain levels.  I find these convenient when trying to prove disability during a certain time period.  The Administrative Law Judges often focus on time periods shortly after you stopped working.  It’s easy to testify about how you felt last week.  It’s more difficult to remember exactly what you were capable of doing two and years ago. 

If you can refer to a journal of your activities during that time period, the Administrative Law Judge is going to take your testimony more seriously.   You don’t need anything elaborate, just write up a page once a month of what you can do, what you can’t do, and how many "bad days" you had per month.

Join a Support Group

Keep involved in support groups.  Because of your physical and/or mental limitations, the newly disabled tend not to have much interaction with others.  If you can find an online or community support group you can hear what others in your situation are doing and feel less alone.

Be Patient

Finally, manage your expectations and be patient.  Getting approved for Social Security benefits takes time.  Most people are denied on the initial application and their first appeal.  It’s disappointing when you’re denied, but don’t take it personally and don’t panic.  Plan on the process taking at least two and a half years.   The best thing you can do is to keep going.  Keep appealing your case, seeing your doctors and being patient.