Expert: Kyla Kelim - 11/5/2008

Question
I'm a 57 yr. old male who has had lower back pain for several years and can't sit or stand for more than a few hours. I was curious to know what kind of documentation or requirements are needed for someone to receive disability payments. How extensive would documentation or Dr. reports need to be and would someone need to show that they have exhausted every kind of treatment available before they could receive disability?  Thanks


Answer
Lee, I would apply right away.  Social Security will require objective proof that you are unable to hold down work, usually in the form of doctor's records and a statement showing how those records support his or her opinion that you cannot work.  I don't think that 'exhaustion of remedies' is quite the right analysis.  It does need to be very well documented , though.

Kyla Kelim