Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers: Preparing for Your Interview
April 10, 2017
No one expects to suffer a disabling injury that prevents them from being able to continue to work. In addition to the physical repercussions, there are the financial implications of being out of work for an extended period of time. While you cannot prepare for the injury itself, there are steps you can take to apply for Social Security disability benefits that will offer much needed financial security. The first step in this process involves an interview with a Social Security representative.
What to Expect from the Interview
Whether your interview is in person or over the phone, you should expect it to last for approximately one hour. This is an opportunity for the claims representative (CR) to collect important facts about your case that will ultimately be used to make a decision about your claim. No decision will be made about your claim during the interview. The CR will ask you a series of questions about your employment history, including where you worked during the past 15 years, your specific job responsibilities, the nature of your disability, and what medical treatment you have received. The CR may also ask you about your family, including marital status and number of children, as well as past military service and whether you have, or still are, receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits.
You can ensure that the interview process goes smoothly by providing addresses and contact information of all past employers, as well as the names and contact information of every healthcare professional who has treated you for your disability, including doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists. If getting to a Social Security office is not possible because of transportation issues, conducting the interview over the phone is often the best option. A Social Security claims representative will contact you on a scheduled date and time. Make sure that you are prepared to take the call and that you have the required information available.
As part of the application process, Social Security Administration (SSA) will ask you a number of questions that you should be prepared to answer. If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income, an SSA administrator will also ask questions about your finances. The following are examples of questions you may be asked:
- When did your condition progress to a disability?
- When did you stop working?
- Can you provide the dates of your doctor visits, including the name, phone number, and address of your doctor?
- What are the names and dosage amounts of all medication you are currently taking?
- What is your marital status?
- What are your household expenses?
- What are the sources of income for you and your spouse?
- What other financial resources do you have, including bank accounts, vehicles, property, stocks, and other investments?
Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Clients Obtain Disability Benefits
If you are unable to work because of a disability, the Baltimore Social Security disability lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can help. Our dedicated team will make sure that you are well prepared for the interview, so that you receive the full benefits that you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced Social Security disability lawyers, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent clients throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
