Right from the beginning, you need to know how Social Security decides whether you are disabled.
This is important because those who review your claim are looking at the application and your supporting documents and your responses to their questions.
Sometimes the workers who take your application will even write comments in your file about their observations of your condition.
The first question is whether you can do your old job?
If you can perform your old job, then you are not disabled.
If you cannot do your old job, then can you do any job?
If you can do any job, then you are not disabled if you are under 50 years of age.
The questions Social Security asks about your conditions are looked at in the light of how they limit your activities.
Questions about daily chores, taking care of pets and children, what you do all day, where you spend your time, what you can lift, how far you can walk are all asked to determine whether you could do this in the workplace on a consistent basis.
Questions about your past work regarding lifting, standing, sitting and walking are important because it may mean you can do your old work.
Be very careful how you make your application for Social Security Disability and how you answer the questions sent to you. They may be used to deny you disability benefits later in the process.
Questions about your Social Security case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.