The SSI people will want a detailed medical history about your disability and how it began. They will want all kinds of medical records to make their decisions.. The first document that you should strive to provide is any psychiatric records. This can be hospitalization records, doctor's visits, therapy notes, and medication information.
SSA application
The SSA will give you an application to begin with, but it does not allow for great detail. It asks more general information but does not allow you the space or verification that your own documents will.
Psychiatric hospitalizations
These can prove to be quite useful in your case as they prove the severity of your disorder. If you have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness and had many instances of inpatient treatment, you can ask the hospital for those records. Do not ask just for a discharge summary. Ask for the lengthy doctor notes and nursing notes. If you have any legal issues such as a conservatorship or involuntary holds, this will help greatly with your case.. The SSA will ask for this information, but what they get may be lacking so it is a great idea to get everything you need yourself.
Doctor notes
This one can be tricky as not all doctors want or know how to write notes that will be approved by the SSA The SSA may give you a form for your medical provider to fill out. If they also find that the documentation that you have provided is insufficient, then they may set an appointment for you to meet with one of their doctors with whom they are contracted with. This doctor will assess you and make a determination if you are disabled or not.
Therapist notes
Many people go to a therapist if they are having psychiatric issues. By going to a therapist, you may be able to obtain a written statement saying that you are disabled and that he or she has seen evidence of such your therapy sessions. He or she can also testify on whether you are compliant with your treatment.
Ongoing treatment
The SSA also wants to see that you are currently engaging in treatment. Medication and treatment compliances plays a large role in whether your case is approved. If your case is denied for failure to comply with treatment, you may need to appeal and during that time find a provider and stay compliant.
Family and friends
If you have anyone in your life who has seen the severity of the mental disorder, they can submit statements and other documents that support your claim.
SSA application
The SSA will give you an application to begin with, but it does not allow for great detail. It asks more general information but does not allow you the space or verification that your own documents will.
Psychiatric hospitalizations
These can prove to be quite useful in your case as they prove the severity of your disorder. If you have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness and had many instances of inpatient treatment, you can ask the hospital for those records. Do not ask just for a discharge summary. Ask for the lengthy doctor notes and nursing notes. If you have any legal issues such as a conservatorship or involuntary holds, this will help greatly with your case.. The SSA will ask for this information, but what they get may be lacking so it is a great idea to get everything you need yourself.
Doctor notes
This one can be tricky as not all doctors want or know how to write notes that will be approved by the SSA The SSA may give you a form for your medical provider to fill out. If they also find that the documentation that you have provided is insufficient, then they may set an appointment for you to meet with one of their doctors with whom they are contracted with. This doctor will assess you and make a determination if you are disabled or not.
Therapist notes
Many people go to a therapist if they are having psychiatric issues. By going to a therapist, you may be able to obtain a written statement saying that you are disabled and that he or she has seen evidence of such your therapy sessions. He or she can also testify on whether you are compliant with your treatment.
Ongoing treatment
The SSA also wants to see that you are currently engaging in treatment. Medication and treatment compliances plays a large role in whether your case is approved. If your case is denied for failure to comply with treatment, you may need to appeal and during that time find a provider and stay compliant.
Family and friends
If you have anyone in your life who has seen the severity of the mental disorder, they can submit statements and other documents that support your claim.