(Newswire.net — September 13, 2023) — If you suffer an injury and become disabled, you may be entitled to receive benefits from the Social Security Administration. However, before these benefits are released to you, you will be required to have a disability interview. If you are in this situation, the disability attorneys at Pisegna & Zimmerman recommend you hire legal representation before attending your interview. You will have a legal expert by your side and may be able to get your benefits that much sooner. Read on to find out more about what to expect during your disability interview.
Setting Up Your Interview
Whenever you apply to receive Social Security disability insurance, your local Social Security office will need to get more information from you to determine whether these benefits will be granted. You may receive a call from one of their representatives requesting that you either come into their office or set up a time slot to have a phone interview. This step is necessary because they must confirm that you have this disability and that your condition impacts your life in such a way as to leave you unable to continue working.
Preparing for an In-Person Disability Interview
One of the first things you must do at this appointment is to show up on time. This is a significant meeting and you want to give it the importance it deserves. By being punctual, you show respect and transmit a message that you are taking this seriously. Take care with your appearance, there is no need to dress up but you do want to be comfortable and clean.
Prepare all documents that you need to take such as your medical records and any other relevant papers. Make arrangements for someone to keep an eye on your children so that they do not need to accompany you to such a crucial interview.
Preparing for a Phone Interview
If you live too far away from the nearest Social Security office or if your disability makes it hard for you to get there, you may be granted a phone interview. As with an in-person one, take this interview seriously. Be prepared with a fully charged phone at the appointed time and take the call in a quiet environment.
Have all the required information on hand so that you can answer any questions. Give truthful and concise answers and talk only when a question is asked.
What Questions Will You Be Asked During the Interview?
There will be general information questions to start the interview. These will include your name, Social Security number, your education, and the names and birth dates of your spouse and any children under 18.
Then, you will be asked about your medical history with questions such as when the condition worsened to keep you from working, who the treating physician is, and what treatments you are undergoing. They will then ask you about your job and end the interview by asking you for information on your bank where they can make your payments.