What to Expect From a Social Security Disability Interview
When you are applying for SSDI benefits, you will likely need to participate in a disability interview. When this occurs, you will want to be prepared so you can maximize the chances that you will be approved for SSDI benefits. This interview can be conducted over the phone or in-person. However, you can always meet with a Social Security Disability attorney before you participate in the interview.
1. A Typical Interview
The goal of the interview is to make sure that you have the disability that qualifies you for benefits. The SSA will want to know about your ability to work and live your life. The interviewer will ask you questions about the type of work you performed before you became injured.
Your interviewer will try to learn about your educational background and the amount of training that you have received. The SSA will want to determine whether your disability prevents you from doing any work or if it simply prohibits you from doing your current line of work. For example, if your disability affects your legs, you might still be able to perform sedentary work such as a desk job.
2. Your Medical Treatment
You will need to answer questions about your prior medical treatment and your current treatment regimen. The SSA will want to make sure that you are taking the steps necessary to recover to the best of your ability.
3. Your Psychological State
If you are suffering from a mental illness or an emotional disturbance, you will be asked whether you struggle to engage with other people. You will also be asked whether you are on any psychiatric medications.
4. Your Daily Life
You may also be asked if you have the capacity to care for yourself or if you need someone else to take care of you. You may be asked how long you can sit or stand and how much you can lift. For example, if you are not able to leave your bed, you will be much more limited in the type of work you can do.
Your attorney will be able to warn you of any other questions that you might be asked and how certain answers might be perceived. You may also be able to practice your interview with your attorney. The interview will take an hour to complete but if the interview goes well you will be much more likely to be approved.