You can save yourself a lot of trouble by talking to your doctor before you apply for disability benefits. Here is what you need to know about applying for disability and making it easier to have your claim approved.

The basic requirement for receiving disability benefits from Social Security is that you have a medical condition that lasts for 12 months or longer and prevents you from working. You should talk with your doctor about how the sum of your medical conditions affects your ability to work. If you doctor agrees that you should be out of work for at least 12 months to recover, or recovery sufficient to resume work is not an option, contact Social Security to schedule an appointment.

In order to be approved for Social Security disability benefits you need to have sufficient medical evidence to support your claim. These evidence needs to show the nature of your disability and how the condition prevents you from working. You should discuss your medical records with your doctor. If the progression of your disability cannot be clearly documented through existing records, you should have your doctor order the necessary tests, MRI, or x-rays to support your claim. It could help your case to have the doctor write a letter regarding your condition and why you need to be out of work; have the doctor place this letter in your medical records.

To learn more about applying for disability benefits and having your claim approved, visit the website “Social Security Laid Bare” using the links below.