How can I win disability if I don't have health insurance and can be seen by a doctor?It can be more difficult to win disability benefits if you don't have health insurance simply for these reasons: 1. Social Security Disability and SSI determinations are based solely on the information found in a claimant's medical records. 2. Although older medical records are important for the purpose of establishing a favorable onset date (an onset date is when your disability is considered to have started), which itself is very important for establishing how much a claimant can receive in disability back pay, newer and recent medical records are very important for establishing the fact that a claimant currently meets the social security definition of disability. Unfortunately, not having health insurance at some point is a very common situation for many, if not most, applicants for Social Security Disability or SSI. In fact, it may be the case for the great majority of claimants. Can you still win disability if you don't have health insurance and aren't able to go to the doctor much? Yes, and many claimants do. How do they do this? In some instances, by utilizing alternate means of obtaining medical treatment such as free clinics and by visiting emergency rooms. However, when a claimant's case is reviewed by a disability examiner (examiners make decisions on disability applications and reconsiderations) or disability judge, if no current medical treatment is in the file, the claimant will typically be sent to a social security consultative medical examination. The purpose of this examination is to provide a recent snapshot of a claimant's condition and to allow social security to make a disability decision on a case. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Disability attorneys and RFC forms Social Security Disability, long term disability, and offset Disability applications can be denied for failure to cooperate Partial disability benefits How to File for SSI How long does it take to get a disability approval letter? Disability requirements and how to file in Missouri Applying for disability, medical conditions What are the Application Requirements For SSI Disability? How do you Apply for SSI? What Conditions Qualify For Social Security Disability? |
