Filling Out the Forms
from HollyThe SS disability application forms ask questions and supply a space for answers. Since there is a space, one would think that the answer should be put in that form. Not necessarily so! I used an attachment referring back to the question, and cross-referencing in the space provided.
I believe that this more careful approach helped me get benefits. I used my computer for this, but you could just as well use plain paper in a CLEAR HANDWRITING. Make it as easy as possible for the reviewer to read the information and to understand you need. On the form I entered, "See page 1, attached, for Question 1" or whatever the correct connection would be. The answers will go though several versions. A dump first with everything you can think of. Put it aside for a day or so before going back to fill in holes and cut out unnecessary words. I pulled together reference materials for particular questions. By now you're on a second or third version of your answers. Go through the answers over and over, each time making your presentation clearer and clearer. After you decide you are happy with your answers, ask someone you trust to review the answers. Even your doc can be of help here. Having him/her read your answers can also help make sure his/her responses to SS inquiries [will] correspond to what you are telling them.
Try to have the final attached pages, with their references to the questions, attached and in the correct order. These answer should be as free of mistakes as possible before you submit them to SS. These people work hard, and they see lots of forms, many of which are almost useless to their evaluation, because the directions were not followed or the handwriting cannot be read. Make their jobs as easy as possible with complete information: names, addresses, phone numbers, correct dates, and clear, simple responses to their questions. This is the old "your best foot forward" approach. It works.
from Jerry
The space on the form, which can be very intimidating in itself for those not familiar with governmental forms, is very limited and, as we all know, we could write books about just two weeks of our bipolar lives. The more information about each question you give, the better your chances. I tried the fill in the blank method and gave up after the third question. Typically, I averaged a page to page and one-half for each question. That may sound long, but give yourself credit, its your illness and who knows it best?
As one who spent twenty years in government, writing government grant applications and fulfilling reporting requirements, enough cannot be said about making sure each question on the disability application is answered to its fullest. Don't think these things are decided by scale weight and never read. Some of the thinnest get funded, the heaviest are thrown out. Content is important, but I also think that early application approval has as as much to do with the sincerity of the person when answering the forms. The folk reviewing the applications ain't stupid. Some might not care much, but they can see holes. If you can work, but don't want to, you had better be a very good writer and bullshi---. I've spent enough time reviewing and checking out applications of a similar nature to tell you it doesn't take much time in the job to begin to recognize crap. Besides, its [those] folks who make it so difficult for those who really need the assistance. That especially holds true for SSI benefits. Those dollars are very precious resources and, when stretched tight, benefits tend to get reduced. That includes both monetary and medical benefits.
More of this Feature
- Part 1: Can I Get Disability for Bipolar?
- Part 2: Applying for Disability
- Part 3: Appeals and Lawyers
- Part 4: Four Questions Answered
- Part 5: Assisting a Grown Child
- Part 6: Words of Encouragement
