An extensive disability interview with a Social Security claims representative can be expected (unless you file your application online—much of this information is collected in an online application). In a non-on-line filing, this interview is an essential step. A successful disability interview will increase your chances of being approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you’re unsure what to expect from this interview, read on!
What can you expect at your disability interview?
The disability interview is a way for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to gather the information needed to process your claim. Your disability interview will be in person at your local Social Security office or over the phone. Therefore, it would be best if you planned for it to take at least an hour.
There are things you can bring and questions the interviewer might ask you. Below is some more information about how to prepare for your interview.
What information do you need?
You should be prepared to share your employment history for the last 15 years, including job titles, work schedules, pay rates, and work activity. You are not required to have medical records from your medical providers. But you are required to provide accurate information about your providers, including contact information and dates of treatment (first date, last date, and next date). If you already have medical records, go ahead and provide them to Social Security. It may help them make a quicker decision. You should have a list of medications with the names of the prescribing providers and dosages.
What other questions might you be asked?
During your interview, you will be asked questions about your disability and how it affects your daily life. For example:
- How does your disability affect how you perform tasks like driving, cooking, and housekeeping?
- Do you use assistive devices or have mobility issues? How do these affect your ability to drive a car or walk around a store?
- Do you have any limitations with specific tasks like lifting groceries or cooking dinner?
- You can also expect to talk about your medical history. For example:
- What medical conditions affect your ability to work?
- When were your conditions diagnosed?
- What medical tests have you undergone and when and where?
The interviewer may also ask you about your financial situation, which is only relevant for an SSI application. For example:
- Who lives at home with you?
- What are your sources of income?
- If you are married, what is your spouse’s amount and source of income?
- Do you have any other investments or resources?
- If you have any agreements to repay family or friends that are providing regular financial help or shelter for you, tell Social Security about at this time. Social Security may substantially reduce SSI benefits if you are getting help from others without expectation of repayment.
Now that you feel more prepared for the disability interview, it’s time to get out there and start the process. Contact Roose and Ressler directly to book a free consultation. We would be glad to help you prepare for your Disability Interview and guide you through the application and appeals process.
The Roose & Ressler Team serves northern Ohio from our offices in Lorain, Toledo, and Wooster, Ohio. You can count on us as your local disability attorneys to analyze your case thoroughly to determine what is necessary for you to receive benefits. We assess the best methods on how 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.