Some tasks are just easier if you understand what is about to transpire. Dealing with any government agency can be an exercise in frustration – but a necessary one. If you need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may struggle to submit a complete application. Learning that you then have to be interviewed about your disability claim can, frankly, be a little frightening. Knowing what happens at disability interviews may ease your fears.
Before Disability Interviews
Of course, you already have taken the big step of submitting an application and supporting documents. Hopefully, you hired a disability lawyer to help.
Some of the documents that supported your disability claim can also be used to prep for the hearing. In fact, you may need to bring some of the documents to the interview if you meet in person. If you have your interview by telephone, referring to the documents can help you answer some of the questions you will be asked.
During Disability Interviews
An interviewer from the Social Security Administration generally runs the meeting. Since the meeting is being held to gather additional information about your disability, the interviewer may have many questions for you. However, most of them will relate to the following three topics:
- Your Bills and Monthly Expenses. You will be asked to give specific details about any financial responsibilities. This may include mortgage, loan payments, rent, and household bills to name a few. In some cases, you may document how much the entire household makes.
- Financial Resources and Things You Own. This category is especially important if you are applying for SSI, which is a needs-based program. During the disability interview, you may be asked about your income, resources, and the income and resources of people who live with you.
- Your Living Arrangements. Where do you live? Do you live with anyone, including a spouse or roommate? In some situations, the SSA will review who lives in your household. Needs-based programs may need to know the total household income, so living arrangements matter.
Other topics may arise. Also, be sure to talk with your disability attorney about answering sensitive questions.
If You Can’t Work Anymore, Find Out More About SSDI and SSI
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience in the legal field. Much of their work involves Social Security disability cases. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
