How to Apply for Medical Disability
If you become sick or incapacitated and cannot work, state and federal governments have medical disability programs available to provide you with income to survive. However, there are strict requirements and procedures to follow to get approved for these programs. The rules for applying for medical disability differ for each agency and state government, but there are general rules that by following will help your application go through more easily.
- Assess the nature of your medical problem. Government programs define medical disability as a condition that is severe, debilitating and long-term in nature. While federal and state definitions of debilitating are generally similar, state definitions of long-term are shorter than federal definitions. State programs are typically designed to support medical disability cases for up to 12 months, while federal disability, most notably Social Security disability, is for cases that are expected to last from 12 months to a lifetime.
- Get an assessment of your medical problem from your doctor. Speak with your doctor or other medical professionals about your medical issues and explain how it is hampering your ability to work. Go to all test appointments and regular appointments that are scheduled by your doctor so that your problems can be fully and accurately diagnosed. Let the doctor verify whether it is debilitating enough to prevent you from going to work.
- Apply for medical disability. Visit your state offices for Medicaid and temporary disability programs to obtain an application. Fill it out to the best of your ability. These applications will all include requests for an official medical verification of your disabilities, so include these reports from your doctor. If you are unable to fill out the paperwork on your own, get a relative or loved one to help; in some cases the government may also have someone who is available to help you fill out this paperwork.
- Promptly answer any questions the state or federal government wants you to answer after your application has been sent out. Attend any appointments that are set for you.