When you apply for disability benefits it can feel like you’re trying to navigate a maze of complicated forms and rules. We meet a lot of people who are confused and don’t know where to start with this process. At Longo Lawyers we have helped many people fill out disability applications so we know how tough it can be for people to get these benefits.
Finding out what kind of benefits you might be eligible for is the first step in applying for disability. There are many disability programs in Canada such as the Canada Pension Plan Disability benefit and provincial programs that help people with impairments. To avoid delays or denials you must follow the rules for eligibility and how to apply for each program.
One of the most important parts of your disability application is getting all the paperwork you need. Medical documents are the most important part of any successful claim so you need full records from all the doctors who have treated your condition. This includes doctors who work with families, specialists, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and mental health professionals. The more information you include in your medical records the stronger your application will be.
A lot of people don’t realize how important timing is when they apply for disability benefits. Some programs require you to apply within a certain time frame after becoming disabled, others require you to wait for benefits to start. The application process can take a long time so it’s best to start early so you get the benefits when you need them most.
The disability program rules say your medical condition must meet certain requirements. You can’t get benefits just because you have a diagnosis. You need to show that your condition makes it hard for you to work or do daily tasks on a regular and long term basis. We help clients understand these requirements and make sure their applications show how their condition meets the requirements.
There are many parts of the application forms that need precise and accurate information. Even questions that seem easy can have a big impact on how your claim turns out. For example if you don’t accurately describe what you do every day it can make it seem like you can do more than your medical condition actually lets you. We review all parts of applications to make sure they are consistent and correct. Supporting documents go beyond just medical information to include things like your work experience, education and statements from family or friends who see your limitations. These extra pieces of evidence show how your handicap affects every part of your life. You may also need to take vocational tests to show you can’t do certain types of work.
Many people who apply for disability benefits are denied the first time they try, usually because their paperwork isn’t complete or they don’t meet certain requirements. This doesn’t mean your case isn’t strong. Instead it often means more information or clarity is needed. The appeals process gives you a chance to deal with these issues and make your case stronger by adding more evidence.
How long it takes to process a disability application depends on how complex your case is and how busy the office is that looks at it. It’s still important to stay in touch with your healthcare providers during this time of waiting. Ongoing medical care and paperwork can help show your condition is still there.
We practice in several areas of law including Slip and Fall Lawyer cases so we know a lot about all kinds of injuries and how they affect people in the long run. This information helps us understand how different conditions affect your ability to work and makes disability applications stronger as a result.
While waiting for disability payments to start money problems can get worse. Some people feel like they have to go back to work too soon or take settlements from insurance companies that aren’t enough. But these choices can hurt your disability claim because they make it look like your condition isn’t as bad as you first said it was.
To apply for disability in Brampton you need to know about both federal and provincial programs that are available to people. We help our clients figure out which of these programs is right for them and their situation.