Can You File a Disability Claim on Behalf of a Loved One?

Hundreds of thousands of adults in Utah are disabled and unable to work. If you have a loved one in this situation, you can file a disability claim on their behalf.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two financial assistance options – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) – and your friend or family member could be eligible for benefits under one or both programs. If approved, they’ll receive the cash relief they need to cover their living expenses. Read on to learn how to go about filing a disability claim on your loved one’s behalf.

disability claims Utah

What You Need to Fill Out a Disability Application

When you file a disability claim, you need to supply the SSA with as much evidence as possible to stand a chance of getting an approval. Including any of the following can help in proving that your loved one is eligible for benefits:

  • A physician’s report containing a diagnosis and a recommended treatment plan
  • Dates and results of any laboratory and diagnostic tests along with the dates of any medical attention or treatment
  • Names, phone numbers and addresses of the physicians and medical centers that have provided treatment
  • Names, dosages and prescribing physician for all of the medications they currently take
  • The results of a residual functional capacity assessment that details their work limitations

To complete the disability application, you’ll also need to provide the following information about your loved one:

  • The location and date of their birth and their Social Security number
  • The name, date and place of birth and Social Security number of their spouse and, if applicable, any former spouses
  • The names and dates of birth for any children they have who are under the age of 18
  • The names and contact information of employers they have worked for within the last 15 years, along with the dates of employment

How to File a Social Security Disability Claim

When you’ve gathered everything you need to complete the disability application for your loved one, you can schedule an appointment at the closest Utah Social Security field office. You also have the option of starting the disability claims process online.

The easiest method, however, is to rely on an experienced disability advocate or attorney. Either professional can take care of the required paperwork for you – which not only eases your stress, but also increases your loved one’s chances of getting approved for benefits.

Of the millions of disability claims the SSA receives each year, only about 30 percent are approved. Denials can be appealed, but you don’t want your friend or family member to wait any longer than necessary for the financial assistance they need. As such, working with a disability attorney or advocate is strongly recommended.

Mountain West Disability Offers Expert Help at No Upfront Cost

Based in northern Utah, Mountain West Disability is here to provide the help you need with your loved one’s disability claim. Our team of highly experienced advocates and attorneys can handle everything – and we’ll only collect a fee if benefits are awarded. Plus, our fee will come from the first backpay check, not out of your pocket.

Let us put our expertise to work for your loved one. For a free consultation to discuss their Social Security disability claim, contact Mountain West Disability in Murray, Utah, today.