Can I Help My Spouse Apply for SSDI?
When an adult is diagnosed with a serious illness or sustains a severe injury at work or elsewhere, it may be impossible to work. In such circumstances, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits become a lifeline. Given that adults who are eligible for SSDI are dealing with serious disabilities, it may be difficult for them to identify all of the materials and information they will need in order to apply for SSDI benefits. If your spouse is currently in this situation, or if a parent or sibling is in this situation, you may be wondering if you can help them with their application.
In short, another person can assist with an SSDI application, but it is important to know if you can serve as an authorized representative and officially “sign” the application, or if the disabled adult must do this instead. In addition, even if you are able to “sign” the application for your spouse or for another loved one, it is critical to have an SSDI attorney who is assisting you through the application process. Without an attorney’s help, a minor error can result in a denial of benefits. Our national disability benefits attorneys can explain in more detail.
Helping Another Person with an SSDI Application
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), another person can help a disabled adult to apply for SSDI benefits. As the SSA clarifies, “you may be a friend, relative, attorney, paralegal, employer, or member of an advocacy group or organization,” regardless of your relationship to the applicant, in effect, you are permitted to assist with their application. However, you will likely be asked to supply personal information about yourself in the SSDI application, including your relationship to the applicant.
In circumstances where the disabled adult cannot sign the completed application themselves, or wants you to complete the application entirely on their behalf, you will need to become an “authorized representative.” In order to do this, you will need to fill out Form SSA-1696-U4, which is the form for an “Appointment of Representative.” Otherwise, the person you are helping with their application for SSDI benefits will need to be the party who signs the application. If the person is not able to “sign” the application electronically, then the SSA will seek verification and a signature from the applicant.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Even if you are not dealing with a disability yourself, the SSDI application is complicated. You will need to provide information that shows the applicant meets both requirements for SSDI benefits: the work requirement, and the medical requirement.
The medical requirement in particular can be difficult to prove, and substantial medical information will need to be gathered and submitted. The entire process is something a lawyer can assist with from start to finish.
Contact Our National Disability Benefits Attorneys for Assistance with Your SSDI Application
Applying for SSDI payments is a complex process, and initial claims can be denied for a wide range of reasons. As such, it is important to work with an attorney on your claim. Whether you are just beginning to help your spouse with the SSDI application process or your spouse was initially denied and you need help with a reconsideration or appeal, one of the experienced national SSDI benefits lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can assist you. Do not hesitate to reach out to our firm to learn more about how we can assist you.
Sources:
ssa.gov/disability
ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/thirdparty.html
