Social Security Benefits for Lyme Patients

Applying for SSD benefits can be a long, complicated, daunting, and time consuming process. Most cases take months or even years before an applicant may be awarded  and, approximately ⅔ of all applicants are denied their first time around (Rebecca Lake, SmartAsset). But don’t allow this to dampen your spirit and discourage you. We have collected tips, advice and words of wisdom from various lawyers and SSDI attorneys to help you with your application journey. 

What is Social Security Disability?

Social Security disability benefits are monthly payments that help support people who become too disabled to work. These benefits come from two different federal programs. The first one is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This program provides monthly benefits to eligible Americans whose medical conditions prevent them from working at least 12 months. SSDI is designed for individuals who have paid social security taxes throughout their working history. The second program is Social Security Income (SSI) which is designed to help adults and children who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65. If you do not have the work history required for SSDI, you may still get approved for SSI, if your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) 

medical requirements. “Social Security will evaluate your abilities and impairments using the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine if all of your impairments considered together prevent you from being able to work”. (Lorraine Netter, Disability Secrets)

12 Tips to Help You In The SSDI/SSI Process:

1. Begin your application as soon as possible. This will give you time to make sure you have all the required documents necessary for the process. 

2. Make sure you are eligible for disability benefits. The SSA has a very strict definition of what’s considered “disability”. You can read more about eligible medical conditions and impairments here. Bethany K. Laurence, with Disability Secrets, will help explain the various eligible conditions and impairments, for example muscle and joint impairments, neurological disorders, respiratory illnesses, mental disorders (ie. depression and anxiety), and much more.

3. Be prepared when filing. Incomplete or inaccurate applications are likely to be denied, causing needless delays. Make sure all documentation is clear and accurate. You can not be over prepared! This will especially help you in the case that your application is denied, and you need to appeal. 

4. Know how the system works. This is your key to a successful application and acquiring benefits. Be familiar with and understand the process for the state you live in.

5. Document any conversations you have with SSA. This will help you keep organized and reduce any chance of being misinformed. Document who you speak with and include their titles, make notes of phone numbers, extensions, and request explanations or responses in writing, whether through mail, or email. 

6. Be proactive and efficient. The claims process can be long and exhausting, but stay on top of it.

7. Educate yourself on the process and requirements and keep detailed medical records. Having thorough records can strengthen your application. Give as much information as possible, describe your daily challenges, making sure to add illness, pain, complications, ect. You will need medical evidence to support your claim for disability. Keep good records by documenting each doctor visit, lab tests, medicines taken, and therapies received. Keep notes of your pain and any medical events like ER visits etc. Explain all your symptoms in detail without exaggerating nor downplaying them. Explain any physical restrictions you may have in detail as well. 

8. Offer a complete picture of your medical and employment history. Keeping a spreadsheet may help you organize such information. Be sure to include; A) Work history for the past 15 years with start and end dates. B) Medical details noting all doctors, treatment facilities, medications, dosages, and any procedures related to your medical condition. C) Financial information, including all banks and account information. D) Social Security information for all members of your household. E) Written statements from doctors, family members, co-workers, bosses, etc specifying your disability and how they’ve seen it affect your day to day living.

9. It’s not over just because you get denied! If your application is denied, don’t give up or be discouraged. Remember denial is, unfortunately, common. Go through the SSA appeal process. You can do this two ways. The first way to appeal is to find a local attorney who specializes in SSDI or SSI, the 2nd approach is to find a non-attorney disability representative to help you. Research the reasons for your denial and address them specifically and directly in your appeal. This process may take 14 to 18 months, so be patient, but stay on top of it. 

10. Make a financial plan. Use careful budgeting to help you while you await approval. Consider taking advantage of other supplemental programs that might be available. 

11. Be honest, accurate, and consistent with all your statements and documentation. Do not exaggerate truths or do anything that could damage your credibility, hindering your chance of approval. 

12. Get help from a professional. There are often many obstacles that could result in denial of your application. According to SmartAsset, speaking to an SSDI expert or attorney could improve your chances of approval quicker.

Disability Benefits Help has an extensive list of helpful tips for applying for SSDI or SSI efficiently and accurately. You can check them out here.

According to Oren and Oren, Your likelihood of success will depend on the severity of your physical or mental health, conditions limiting your daily activities, your medical impairment lasting longer than 12 months and your doctor agreeing with this assessment. There are several areas that might be able to help you with the success of approval for disabilities from Lyme disease. More details can be found here about, 

meeting or equaling a disability listing. 

Remember filing for disability is a long process. Do not become discouraged, if you are denied initially and have to appeal, then do so. These tips are merely here to guide you. Make sure to do your research in hopes of helping increase your chances for approval. 

We are not lawyers and this information is not to be used as legal advice. Consult an attorney for appropriate guidance.