Your SSD Interview: What it is and How to Prepare in Winchester, TN?

October 25th, 2016 by Attorney John Colvin

Social Security Disability Related Terms, Winchester TN | John R. Colvin Attorney at Law

The Social Security Disability application process is lengthy, under the best of circumstances. At your initial SSD interview, if you don’t have the information claims examiners request, your application may be further delayed. So, if you’re headed to the Social Security office in Tullahoma, Columbia, McMinnville, or Lawrenceburg for your SSD interview, prepare in advance so you can respond to questions and requests for documentation.

Proof of Identity

You will need documents that prove your identity, such as your birth certificate, driver’s license, and W-2 forms. A birth certificate must be the original – not a copy – and the same rule applies to many other types of documentation. Take original documents to your SSD interview, just to be on the safe side.

Family History

SSD applicants are sometimes surprised at the depth of information they’re asked to provide about their family and family history. For example, you’ll need to provide the name and age of your current and former spouses, the beginning and end dates of any marriages you’ve had, where they took place, and how they ended. If a spouse or former spouse is deceased, you may be asked to provide a copy of the death certificate, or the date and location of death.

Basic Medical Information You’ll Need

The people examining your claim will want to see extensive proof of your disability – and having a disability is not enough to qualify you for SSD benefits. You must also be able to show that your disability either makes you unable to work or seriously limits your ability to work.

You will likely be asked to provide:

  • Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and emails for your healthcare providers
  • A list of the prescription medicines you take, including dosages and the name of the prescribing doctor
  • The results of any diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging scans
  • Any healthcare provider notes regarding your diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis for recovery.

Educational and Occupational Background

Even when your documentation sufficiently proves your disability, examiners may want to know whether you would be capable of performing some other type of work.

Before your interview, get contact information for former managers and coworkers who can attest to the type of work you did. Bring any educational records you have, including report cards from your youth. When reviewing SSD claims, examiners may dig deep into your educational background to determine whether your schooling and training has prepared you for other occupations.

Other Benefits and Assets

Be prepared to show documentation of other benefits and assets that either you or your spouse receive, such as Workers’ Compensation, military retirement benefits, Black Lung benefits, public assistance, and federal employee retirement or compensation benefits. The receipt of other benefits does not necessarily disqualify you from getting SSD, but it may reduce the dollar amount of monthly benefits.

Bring paystubs and tax records for you and your spouse, as well as a canceled check for signing up for direct deposit.

The initial SSD interview can be intimidating, but when you’re adequately prepared, you won’t have to worry about not having the right documentation with you.

Contact Us

John R. Colvin, Attorney at Law, has successfully represented injured clients throughout Tennessee and Alabama who have needed help with their SSD application. He has also assisted families in the appeal of their denial of SSD benefits. For 20 years, he has been helping people put their lives back on track and he is ready to help you. For advice on how to proceed next or if you have any questions about this topic, call 1-931-962-1044 or submit our online form. Put his bold approach and client focus to work for you.

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