How Can I Help Develop My Social Security Case?

Get regular medical treatment-SSA must rely on objective medical evidence to determine if you are disabled. If there is no medical evidence that you are disabled, they have no choice but to deny your claim. If you cannot afford medical care, seek out free or low cost care in your community. You may feel that medical treatment is not helping you and you stop treating. SSA will assume that you no longer need treatment and that you are not disabled. See your doctor regularly!
Develop a relationship with your doctor-SSA will rely heavily on your treating physician’s medical opinion of your disability. Develop a good relationship with your doctors and their staff. It is important to attend all of your doctor appointments and follow all of your doctor’s instructions.
Complete your paperwork thoroughly and on time-you are the one most familiar with your disability and SSA requires that certain forms be filled out by you or someone familiar with you. Complete the forms that we send you as thoroughly as possible and in a timely manner. Ask a friend or family member to assist you, if needed. Mail the forms back to us on time. SSA has deadlines for filing your appeals.
Follow your representative’s instructions-Mary Kay gave you a “to-do” list when you first met with her. Follow all of her instructions and advice; she has been helping disability claimants for over twenty-five years.