Before you can receive disability benefits, you will need to do some work to prove that you are unable to work. And by work, I mean paperwork. One of the most important forms you will complete is the Social Security disability work history report. In filling out this report, you will help the SSA understand your health condition and how it has affected your work life. If you’re struggling to complete this form, let us show you how it’s done. Read on for some helpful tips.
Social Security Disability Work History Report
When you apply for disability benefits, your success depends on three things: (1) the nature of your disability, (2) your work history, and (3) your paperwork. After all, if you don’t thoroughly complete the required forms and reports, how can you expect the SSA to truly understand your situation?
So as you fill out your Social Security disability work history report, be very honest and frank about your medical condition. Too many claimants feel embarrassed or awkward during this step and choose to downplay their disability’s effects on their work life and daily routine. If you want to be successful, you need to be detailed. Consider any jobs that you held for more than three months and fully describe all of your duties, even those that you only completed occasionally. Every detail counts!
TIPS
- Check that you are using the current version of the Social Security disability work history report. On the bottom of each left-hand corner, there will be a revision date. If this date is more than one or two years old, contact the SSA to check that the form is current.
- Use a blue or black pen to complete the report, and be sure that your handwriting is legible. If you struggle to write neatly, either ask someone to help you or complete the form online.
- The form will likely use a number of different terms to reference the person applying for disability benefits, including “you,” “the Disabled Person,” and “claimant.” If you’re completing the form for someone else, just be aware that these terms refer to the person seeking disability benefits. Also, if you’re completing the form for someone else, remember to write down your name and contact information on page eight in the area specified.
- Answer every question for every job. So if the question doesn’t apply to your situation or there is no answer, you need to write in “not applicable,” “none,” “don’t know,” etc.
- If you feel that an answer requires more explanation, go ahead and explain your answer. If you need more space, there is a section called “Remarks” that can be used for this purpose. Just be sure to clearly specify the number of the question you’re answering and explaining.
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If you’re having trouble with your Social Security disability work history report, contact BTS Group, Inc. Our disability representatives would be happy to help you apply for disability, build your case, monitor your case status, and ultimately win the disability benefits you deserve. Click here to contact us and receive a free case evaluation.