Here are some Missouri and Arkansas Social Security Disability Application Tips and things to consider if you are planning on filing for Social Security Disability and live in Southwest Missouri or Northern Arkansas.
You have to prove you are disabled. The Social Security Administration does not have to prove you are not disabled or help you prove you are disabled.
You have to prove you case. This means you must have evidence. You have to go to the doctors. Don’t plan on Social Security sending you to one of their doctors. If they do, don’t plan on the doctor SSA sends you to being helpful.
Be prepared to wait
Unless you meet a Listing or are over 50 and meet an obvious Grid Rule, both of which are very rare, you must be prepared to wait a very long time. Most people think their case is obvious but you need to brace yourself for the possibility that you will be denied and your case will take close to a year. The Social Security Administration is working hard to reduce the wait time but each case requires an extensive work up and it takes time to receive and review medical records.
Doctor support of your claim
Before applying you should have an honest discussion with your treating doctor. Does he or she think you are disabled? Would they be willing to write a letter or fill out a report? You shouldn’t go into doctor’s appointments continually bringing up disability, but having an idea of what your doctor thinks is a good idea.
Follow your doctor’s advice and keep your appointments. Nothing tells the SSA you are not disabled more than skipping doctor visits. Plan ahead if you need a ride to the doctor.
No doctor? You need to do whatever it takes to find one. Apply for Missouri Health Net (Medicaid). Call you local Missouri County Health department or in Springfield the Jordan Valley Community Clinic or The Kitchen Clinic in the Springfield Missouri area. Look for doctors who provide sliding scale treatment. Doing nothing to find treatment will get you nowhere with the Social Security Administration.
Explain past work you have done fully
See my previous post on this and your residual functional capacity form.
Talk to a Lawyer if you are denied before your appeal or reconsideration period is up.
Don’t just keep reapplying. Missouri and Arkansas Social Security Lawyers provide a free consultation and handle cases on a contingent fee basis. It costs you nothing up front. Don’t wait as this is only more time it will take to get your benefits.
If you would like more information about the Social Security disability application process or the appeals process, please request one of my FREE ebook reports.
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The Krebs Law Firm LLC offers a free case evaluation if you have questions about your Social Security disability claim. Many people may be worried that they do not have the money to pay for a disability attorney, but we only handle Social Security cases on a contingent fee basis. In other words, there is no fee unless we are successful in getting you the benefits that you deserve. If you would like to speak to Jason Krebs and his staff simply call (417) 883-5886 for your free case evaluation or to discuss your appeal today! Do not delay as you only have 60 days to file your appeal or ask for a reconsideration if you live in Arkansas or Oklahoma.