Disability support is an important part of living an independent life, whether it’s for your child with a disability or yourself. It can help you navigate the challenges of life and ensure that your health is well taken care of.
In LMICs, gaps in access to disability support are often exacerbated by social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination and exclusion from education or employment. These factors create an environment in which the disabled are more likely to experience health risks, such as poor diet and inadequate exercise.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The Social Security Administration (SSA), assists people with disabilities to get the support they require. The two main programs that provide disability benefits are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income, (SSI).
SSDI pays workers who have contributed to the system by working and paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. It also offers benefits for spouses and children with disabilities.
SSI provides a monthly check to individuals who have a disability, blindness or are 65 years old or older and who have limited income and resources. Benefits are usually paid the first day of each lunar month.
You will need to provide evidence of medical condition when applying for disability benefits. This includes assessments, reports of tests, scans and treatment and medical records.
The Blue Book
You may be eligible for disability support if you are suffering from a serious medical condition that prevents you from working. Social Security Administration maintains a list that includes severe conditions that automatically qualify you to receive disability benefits.
The Blue Book divides disabling conditions into different categories and lists the criteria required to qualify for benefits. It is a valuable resource for doctors and other medical professionals as it provides detailed information on disabling conditions.
It also explains what types of medical evidence are needed to prove the existence and severity of a listed impairment.
Although it can be confusing, the language contained in the Blue Book can help your doctor and you decide if your medical condition is suitable for disability benefits. It can also be used to gather medical documentation that will make your application stand apart from others.
Medical evidence
A disability claim requires medical evidence. Without strong medical documentation, a Social Security Administration judge will not be able to determine that your illness or condition is severe enough to qualify for benefits.
According to SSA regulations, the best form of medical evidence is from your own doctors (called “treating sources”). Because they have been treating patients like you, these physicians will have greater knowledge and expertise than consultative doctors.
Generally, SSA requires that treating doctors complete a medical source statement, detailing your symptoms and limitations. SSA will also request your doctor’s medical records as well as discharge summaries.
This medical evidence can often be sufficient to support your claim. If it is not, the Social Security administrator can request a consultative examination.
Appeals
If your Social Security disability support services Melbourne application is denied, you have the option of filing an appeal. This will allow you to have a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ) who will review your case and decide whether you are eligible for benefits.
This is an important step in your fight to receive disability support. It gives you the best chance of winning your claim. About half of all claims are granted by ALJs.
A successful appeal may result in you receiving disability support for a longer time than you would otherwise receive.
During the reconsideration process, you should review your initial disability claim to make sure that there aren’t any details that were left out that could help your case. You should also request any additional medical records you may have that weren’t included in your original application.
After the SSA reviews your appeal, you will receive a letter that will tell you what happened to your case and why it was decided. This letter will provide you with all the information you need to increase your chances of receiving disability support.
