Social Security Disability Rule #3: Answer Questions From Social Security

This information is part three of a three-part series titled Social Security Disability Rules. For parts one and two, clicks the links below:

SSD Rule #1: Always Present Yourself in an Honest and Accurate Manner
SSD Rule #2: Always Be Courteous, Cooperative and Compliant with Your Treatment Providers

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When you apply for Social Security Disability Benefits, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms.

All claimants are required to fill out a Disability Report at the time you apply for benefits in Wisconsin. This document contains information about your conditions, medical treatment and work history. For our clients throughout the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin, this form is completed when we file your Initial Application.

The most common additional forms that you be will asked you to fill out will be a Function Report and a Work History report. The Function Report contains a number of questions which have you describe how your conditions impact your day-to-day function.  The Work History Report is a document that has you describe the work you have performed in the past 15 years. It is used whenever the Disability Report you completed at the beginning of the case does not adequately describe your Work History.

Although the questions asked in these forms are not complicated, it is common for claimants to feel overwhelmed at the volume of information being requested by Social Security. These forms are very important in the processing of your claim as they provide necessary information to Social Security.  

Oftentimes, claimant’s do not adequately complete the reports. One of the benefits of having a representative to help you with your claim is that you can use your representative as a resource to assist you in completing the forms by answering any questions that you may have concerning the forms. It is important to note, however, that the answers to the questions must be your own so we cannot complete these documents for you. 

When claimants appear before Administrative Law Judges for their hearings, they will be asked questions directly by the Judge and by their representatives. These Judges handle 300-400 hearings a year. They have likely thoroughly reviewed your file before the hearing and know exactly what they want to ask you.

It is extremely important that you listen carefully and answer their questions.  This is important for two reasons:

1. You do not want to frustrate the Judge by making the Judge have to ask you the same questions multiple times.

2. Remember, you are being asked questions during this process because information is needed to determine if you are in fact disabled.  

It is important that you do your best to assist Social Security in making their determination. Always answer questions from Social Security.  

For more information on how to apply for Social Security disability, appeal a denial, or answer questions from the Social Security Administration in Wisconsin, please contact Tim Geary at Geary Disability Law.

Disclaimer: Blog entries are not intended to be a substitute for actual legal advice. It is important for a representative to understand the specific facts and circumstances of your case before they can provide you actual legal advice.  If you have questions about your Social Security Disability, please contact a qualified representative to discuss your case.