Indiana Social Security Disability Legal Blog

You worked at your job your whole life. And then at night, you came home and cared for your now-adult child, who was born with a disability. Finally, it's time to retire and spend more time at home in Indiana with family.

You will be applying for your Social Security benefits soon, but while you're at it, apply for your child too.

You know that specific mental disorders or disabilities can lead to Social Security benefits, just like physical injuries and disabilities. But do you have to suffer from something like autism or schizophrenia? What if you have severe anxiety?

People often do not completely understand anxiety unless they suffer from it themselves. It can be just as severe and disabling as any other disorder. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does understand this, and anxiety disorder is listed as a potential reason to apply for financial benefits.

Young and healthy workers don't think about the day that might come when an injury or illness keeps them from working and supporting their family. But it could come at any instant for American employees of any age.

That's why it's important to know just what forms of disability payments can help pay your bills if you can't work.

You've waited a long time to have your disability case heard. You'll want to be prepared for all the questions that could come up in your Social Security Disability (SSD) hearing in Indiana.

So just what questions will you be expected to answer at the hearing? Here are some of the things related to your condition that you likely will be asked to discuss. As always, tell the truth and don't exaggerate.

1. Medical condition: The judge has the copies of your medical records, so you'll be asked to describe specifics, such as your level of pain on a scale of one to 10; your medications and side effects; or your symptoms, such as dizziness.
2. Medical history beyond all the records: What are your treatments?
3. Physical and/or mental abilities: What are your limits? How many minutes can you walk before needing to stop to rest? Do you lose your focus and concentration quickly?
4. Education and training: What is your traditional education, as well as vocational training, on-the-job training and military service?
5. Employment: What is your work experience? How much physical labor is involved in your job? How much time do you spend standing or sitting during the workday?
6. Typical day: What do you do from the time you wake up until you go to bed? How well do you sleep? What activities could you do before your disability that you can't perform now? Can you drive?