When someone you care about is living with a disabling condition, you see firsthand how it affects their daily life. You may be helping with everything from doctor visits and medications to emotional support and household tasks. What many caregivers don’t realize, though, is how important their role can be in the Social Security Disability process.
We’ve walked alongside countless families, and we’ve seen just how valuable a caregiver’s insight and involvement can be. Here’s how you can help your loved one build a stronger case and navigate this challenging journey together.
1. Keep Track of Symptoms and Daily Limitations
Disability claims are about more than a diagnosis, they’re about how that diagnosis affects everyday life and, more specifically, a person’s ability to work. Medical records don’t always tell the full story, which is why real-life examples are so important. As a caregiver, you have a front-row seat to the daily challenges your loved one faces, and your perspective can help fill in the gaps.
- Keep a running list or journal of daily struggles, like fatigue, mobility issues, memory lapses, or pain flare-ups.
- Use specific examples such as “She couldn’t get out of bed on Monday due to dizziness,” or “He needed help bathing three times this week.”
These real-life details go a long way in showing how the condition affects daily function, beyond what’s shared in medical records.
Tip: Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA offers a free Symptoms Journal download that can help track these patterns consistently.
2. Consider Submitting a Witness Letter
Social Security allows the submission of witness letters to support a disability claim. These letters give people close to the claimant (such as caregivers, friends, or former coworkers) a chance to explain how the disability impacts daily life from their perspective. These statements are may be submitted using Form SSA-795, Statement of Claimant or Other Person., but this form is not required. Just make sure that the claimant’s name (and ideally their SSN) is on the form, that it is dated, and that you state your own name and relationship to the claimant.
If your loved one receives a denial and decides to appeal, additional witness letters can be submitted to strengthen the case. These follow-up statements can be a key part of providing new or more detailed insight into the claimant’s limitations.
3. Attend Appointments and Take Notes
Doctors’ appointments can be overwhelming. Your loved one may forget to mention symptoms or feel unsure how to explain what they’re going through. As a caregiver, attending appointments can help ensure that nothing important is overlooked—and that the information discussed is remembered and used to support their claim.
- Help advocate for their needs and ensure nothing important is left out.
- Take notes during the visit, especially if the doctor discusses work limitations, treatment options, or long-term outlook.
- Clarify details later when completing disability paperwork or preparing for a hearing.
Having a second set of ears and a clear record of the appointment can be a huge help throughout the process.
4. Stay Organized
There’s no way around it, disability claims come with a lot of paperwork. From medical records to correspondence from the Social Security Administration, staying on top of everything can be tough. This is another area where caregivers can make a big difference.
- Create a central folder or binder with copies of medical records, appointment dates, prescriptions, and claim correspondence.
- Mark key deadlines on a shared calendar or reminder app.
- Track ongoing care, including new providers, hospital visits, or changes in medication.
Staying organized helps make the process smoother and ensures that nothing important slips through the cracks.
5. Offer Emotional Support
The disability process can take time, and it’s rarely straightforward. Between paperwork, medical visits, and long wait times, it’s easy for your loved one to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. One of the most important roles you play is simply being there.
Your encouragement can make a world of difference, especially on the hard days.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Supporting someone through a disability claim is no small task—and we recognize the time, energy, and heart it takes. Our team at Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA is here to support both you and your loved ones every step of the way.
If you have questions or need help with next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re just a phone call away, and we’re proud to be part of your support system.
The Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA Team is located in Lorain, Toledo, and Wooster, Ohio. You can count on us as your local disability advocates to analyze your case thoroughly in order to determine what is necessary for you to receive benefits. We assess the best methods to prove the crucial facts of your case and gather the necessary evidence. Having 40+ years of experience serving Northern Ohioans, we know the ins and outs of the local disability process.