Applying for Disability When You Cannot Afford Treatment

Posted June 5, 2020 by Premier Disability Services, LLC®

If you have been unable to see a doctor for your medical condition, or if you are not taking medication or receiving treatment, it could be much more difficult to get approval for disability benefits. Part of the application and evaluation process involves providing medical records and documentation to convince the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your condition is serious. However, you could still potentially receive disability benefits even if you have not recently visited a doctor.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to visit a doctor regularly, and the SSA is well aware of this. The cost of health care insurance is not financially possible for many disabled persons and their families. This can prevent those with low incomes from getting the medical treatment they need.

Recent medical evidence is required to increase your chances of getting an approval for disability benefits. Without being able to see a doctor to get medical tests done, get a treatment plan, and get prescribed medications for your condition, it will be harder to prove that your condition is severe and your application will likely be denied. However, the SSA cannot deny claimants simply because they have not seen a doctor. In fact, it is the duty of the agency to ensure that the record is fully developed.

The SSA has certain measures in place for those unable to afford medical care. While applying for disability, the SSA may offer a consultative examination (CE) to have your medical condition examined by one of their approved doctors free of charge. This would help show the severity of your condition and provide the medical evidence required to support your claim. The claims examiner will then take the consultative examination into consideration to determine whether to approve or deny your application.

Contact our office today if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.

By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC®