How to Apply for Disability After Surgery in Pennsylvania

Disability benefits may be available for those with a qualifying disability and sufficient work history. If you recently had surgery and cannot return to work for a while, you might qualify for SSDI benefits if your condition meets the government’s definition of a disability. For many, the recovery time after surgery does not meet the criteria of a disability for SSDI. However, checking with an attorney before ruling out any legal options is a good idea.

We should speak with your doctors after your surgery to determine your prognosis. If you experience complications or your condition is not expected to improve, you might qualify for SSDI benefits. If that is the case, your attorney can help you apply for benefits online or arrange an appointment in person or on the phone with an agent from the SSA. When we apply, we will need thorough documentation of your condition, including details about the surgery.

Get a free assessment of your potential claims from our Pennsylvania disability lawyers when you call Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 515-2954.

Are You Eligible for SSDI Benefits After Surgery in Pennsylvania?

Perhaps the first thing to consider is whether your condition after surgery constitutes a disability for SSDI purposes. There are specific criteria for what constitutes a disability. According to 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a), a disability must stop you from performing “substantial gainful activity” and be expected to persist for no less than 12 months or end in death.

Does your condition meet the criteria of a compensable disability? While you might be unable to work for a while after a major surgery, you might not necessarily be considered disabled for purposes of applying for SSDI benefits. People who undergo surgery, even very intensive surgery, usually do not spend a full year recovering. However, if your surgery has left you unable to work for at least a year, or maybe ever again, tell our Pottstown, PA disability lawyers immediately.

Another possibility is that the surgery did not go according to plan. You might have experienced complications, or perhaps the surgery was performed incorrectly, leaving you disabled. If the complications are permanent or long-term, you might qualify for SSDI benefits and can apply.

You should also discuss your underlying medical conditions for which you had the surgery in the first place. If this condition is contained in the SSA’s listing of impairments, you might qualify for SSDI.

Starting the SSDI Application Process After Surgery in Pennsylvania

To begin the application process for SSDI benefits after surgery, we need to gather extensive information and paperwork about you, your medical condition, your work history, and your current ability to work. The application is not a simple one, and we must make sure your information is complete, thorough, and accurate.

First, we need medical information about your underlying condition and the surgery. This should include information from your medical records about your diagnoses, treatments, doctors, medications, and any other medical information we believe is important or relevant. If the surgery is a key factor in your inability to work, we must make sure your medical records accurately convey this information.

Perhaps you did not have a serious condition that would constitute a disability before the surgery. Maybe the surgery went wrong and caused you to become disabled. If that is the case, we need extensive details about the surgery and how it went wrong. We also should have information from your doctor about how the surgery has left you disabled.

Documents and Information Needed to Apply for SSDI Benefits After Surgery in Pennsylvania

Simply explaining your condition might not be enough. The SSA likely wants to see official records and documentation about your disability after the surgery. This means we might have to spend time gathering official documents from hospitals, former employers, and more.

First, we need to gather identification information and documents. Things like government-issued IDs, Social Security information, and your contact information are important.

Next, we need thorough and accurate medical records. If you have seen numerous doctors before and after your surgery, gathering all your medical records might be a daunting task. Our team can help you contact your doctors and the hospital where you were treated so we have official documentation of your complete medical history.

We also need information about your work history. People are eligible for SSDI based in part on their work history. You must have a sufficient history of working and paying into Social Security to apply for SSDI benefits. We also need information about the income you were earning before the surgery or before you became disabled. This may form the basis of your benefits and determine how much they are worth.

How to Submit an Application for SSDI Benefits After Surgery in Pennsylvania

Discuss how to submit your application with your lawyer, as there are several options. Perhaps the easiest option is to complete the application and submit it online. There is an online portal through the SSA’s website where you may submit your application. Rather than filling it out alone, have your lawyer with you so everything is filled out completely and accurately.

It is also possible to make an appointment to meet with an agent in person or over the phone to assist with the application process. If you would rather speak with an SSA agent, you should also have a lawyer help you.

If you have already prepared an application or are working on one now, be sure to have a lawyer review it before you submit it. Remember, you might be denied benefits if your information is lacking, vague, or insufficient. While an attorney can help you submit an appeal, you might end up waiting longer before getting the benefits you need.

Contact Our Pennsylvania Disability Attorneys About Your SSDI Application

Get a free assessment of your potential claims from our Philadelphia disability lawyers when you call Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 515-2954.