If you successfully get through the first steps of your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will likely be asked to visit Disability Determination Services (DDS). There, you will be subjected to an interview and medical examination to determine if your condition qualifies you for disability benefits. Here are five things you should do to prepare for your DDS exam:
- Be ready to answer questions about your disability
- Before you undergo any kind of medical examination by DDS , you will be interviewed by the examiner to learn more about your condition. They will ask questions about things like when your disability first appeared, when was the last time you worked, and when you saw your doctor(s) about your disability. Make sure to have this information on hand to make this part of the process as smooth as possible.
- Have a list of your medications ready
- You should also make sure you have a list of all of your medications available for your DDS interview. This includes not only what medications you are on, but also the quantities and how long you have been on them. This will help the interviewer to understand how you have been treating your condition, and to evaluate whether that is helping your condition.
- Have a list of your doctors and their contact info
- The DDS interviewer will also want the names, addresses, and contact information for your doctors. This will help them to contact your doctors for more information on your disability, including obtaining any medical records that have not already been provided. That way, they can confirm information and make sure you have been following their treatment regimen.
- Prepare information related to any tests or procedures you have undergone
- You should also make sure you have any information ready on any tests you have undergone. This includes things like blood tests, MRIs, CAT scans, ultrasounds, or any other tests done as part of diagnosing your condition. You should also have info on any medical procedures you have undergone, including any surgeries or treatments for your disability.
- Make sure you are able to answer questions about your living circumstances
- If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income, specifically, you may also be asked about your current income and living circumstances. This is meant to ascertain whether you fit the economic criteria for SSI, including your total income, the amount of assets you own (including your spouse’s assets), and who takes care of household expenses. If you meet those criteria, you may qualify for disability benefits.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
