You’ve worked hard your entire life, and you’re proud of how you have helped to support your family throughout the years. One event that you help pay for each year is your annual trip to the Daytona 500. You and your family look forward to it all year long.

As you were approaching the Daytona International Speedway, a tractor trailer hit you from behind. Your airbag failed to deploy, and your head hit the steering wheel with lots of force. Tragically, you were left with a traumatic brain injury that changed your life. Along with not being able to perform tasks you used to take for granted, you also can’t work.

Social Security benefits may help you when you aren’t able to work. The filing application is a bit daunting—but it doesn’t have to be, if you follow these tips.

Make Filing for Social Security Benefits Easier on Yourself

Preparation and organization are essential to filing for Social Security. Keeping a few other things in mind can also help.

  • A family member or guardian is allowed to apply for Social Security for a person who is unable to because of a traumatic brain injury.
  • Medical diagnostics are required when filing, and could include records of your treatments, lab results, history of your hospitalizations, your diagnosis, and any notes from your doctor. Bring as much documentation as possible; doing so helps the Social Security Administration see just how much your traumatic brain injury affects your life.
  • If you are denied, it doesn’t mean you won’t ever receive disability. You have sixty days to appeal the decision. Although the appeals process can take months or years, it is worth it to keep trying.

Hiring an Attorney Improves Your Chances of Receiving Social Security

Having an attorney on your side who specializes in Social Security benefits could increase your chances of getting approved. Over two-thirds of applicants who do not have legal representation have their first application rejected.

Contact the law offices of Johnson and Gilbert to speak with an attorney about your case. If you think this information is helpful, we encourage you to share it with your social media friends!