As if you didn’t have enough to deal with – your medical condition and inability to work. Now, you have to go through the complicated application process to get Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. During that process, you will be interviewed by someone from the Social Security Administration. Preparing for your disability interview should be a priority in the days after you file your application. Here are some tips that might help:
Gather Information
Your interviewer will be asking questions, so it pays to have the answers in front of you. They may need some or all of the following information:
- Names, addresses and phone numbers for you, your spouse, your children, and your medical providers.
- Contact information for former supervisors and employers.
- Copies of medical records you have.
- Records of workers’ compensation claims you may have made.
- Dates of any marriages or divorces.
- Banking information if you want to have your disability checks deposited directly to your bank account.
Having the information printed or written down before your interview will help. You will be able to refer to them instead of trying to remember this information at a time when you are already nervous.
Keep Copies
In fact, have copies of your application and supporting documents at hand during your interview. If they are organized in a file, all the better.
You may also prepare the “Medical and Job Worksheet – Adult” and bring it to your interview.
Stay Calm During the Interview
It’s only natural to be nervous during an interview. However, preparing for your disability interview includes taking care of yourself beforehand. Get a good night’s sleep if possible. Make sure you are not hungry or dehydrated.
During the interview, answer all questions completely and honestly.
Understand that the interviewer is only doing his or her job, which is learning more about your claim. Also remember that you will not be receiving a decision on your claim at the conclusion of the interview.
Talk to Your Attorney
It helps to have someone in your corner. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have the experience and ability to take on your case. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100 or you may check out our website. We assist clients throughout Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
