Can I Apply For SSDI Organ Failure?

Though you likely never anticipated being unable to work due to a health crisis, it can happen, suddenly and unexpectedly. If you are faced with the medical issues surrounding organ failure, then you may feel helpless, frustrated and unable to cope.  When you are unable to work because of organ failure or any other medical condition, you are essentially being forced into retirement, although it is unlikely to be the kind of retirement you had once looked forward to. SSDI is a federal program which pays monthly cash benefits to those who have paid enough FICA taxes during their work years to qualify, and now are unable to work for a year or more due to a disability. 

Who Can Apply?

For social security disability purposes, to be considered disabled you must have an impairment which is either medical, psychiatric or psychological in nature. Your impairment must be considered severe enough that it has kept you from working and earning a certain amount for a period of twelve months. This disability must render you unable to do work you are trained for or have done in the past, and prevent you from doing other types of work which are at least somewhat related to your past work experience and training. In other words, if you were a computer programmer, you cannot be expected to find work as a plumber.   A "severe" disability is generally one which is not expected to improve in any significant way, therefore organ failure certainly qualifies. 

When Should I Apply?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being disabled due to organ failure, you should immediately apply for disability benefits, even if you have hopes that you will one day return to work. It can take a very long time to process your application for disability benefits--three to five months at a minimum--and the longer you put off applying, the longer you will have to wait for your much-needed benefits. 

What Documentation Do I Need to Apply?

Whether you go through a SSDI attorney--highly recommended--or try to navigate the governmental red tape on your own, you will need the following documents:

• Your Social Security Card
• Your birth or baptismal certificate
• Names, address and phone numbers of all doctors, caseworkers, hospitals and clinics who cared for you, and the dates of your visits. 
• Names and dosages of all the medications you have taken in the past and currently take. 
• Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers that you have in your possession.
• Laboratory and test results
• A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did.
• A copy of your most recent W-2 form, or, if you are self-employed, your federal tax return for the past year.

You will have to fill out several fairly lengthy forms, which can be filled out on the Internet, printed and filled out then taken to the local office, or you can go to your local office and receive help with the forms. Because an experienced SSDI attorney can make this complicated process much easier for you, and can answer your questions along the way, it is highly recommended that you hire a skilled attorney to make sure you get what you deserve.