Social Security Disability benefits provide much-needed compensation to individuals who are physically incapable of working because they have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death.
If you intend to apply for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may require that you have a “special medical examination” or undergo “special tests” before the agency decides whether you qualify.
Once you apply for disability benefits, your application will be reviewed by the Disability Determination Services in Texas. That is the state agency that makes the decision about your claim for the SSA.
Often, the staff there need more information about an applicant’s medical condition before they can decide if the individual is “disabled” under the SSA’s definition of a disability.
So, don’t be surprised if you receive a letter in the mail asking you to submit to special testing or receive a medical exam.
The good news is that if you are asked to submit to such testing or an exam, you will not have to pay for it; the SSA will cover the costs of these exams or tests, and under certain conditions, they are willing to pay for the cost of travel to these appointments.
If the exam or tests are performed by someone other than your regular doctor, you can contact the SSA and they can send you a copy of your exam or test results.
What are my responsibilities?
Please understand that it is your responsibility to have any special exams or tests done if the SSA asks you to. You need to attend your medical appointment and cooperate with the doctor who performs the examination.
If you are unable to keep the appointment that the SSA made for you, please contact the agency immediately and let them know. You can find the phone number on the letter that you received about your test or exam.
If you do not ensure that the test or exam is performed at the SSA’s request, the agency will have to make a determination based on the limited information they have, and it’s likely that they will decide that you are not disabled.
Do you need to file a claim for disability? If so, contact a Dallas Social Security Disability attorney at The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC today!