The Social Security Administration recognizes lupus as a potentially disabling illness and includes it in their listing of impairments. The Social Security Administration defines a disability as: the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

The process of filing for disability benefits can be very stressful and take a lengthy amount of time. Many people enlist the aid of an attorney.

Here are the top 10 things to remember in addition to bringing the social security number of all applicants and having a valid explanation of why you can no longer work.

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1. Make sure to keep a summary of your employers' names and addresses for past 15 years.
2. Write down the dates of any prior marriages if your spouse is applying for lupus Social Security disability benefits.
3. Bring spouses death certificate if applying for lupus Social Security disability benefits as a disabled widow.
4. Have all pertinent information for each person applying for lupus Social Security benefits, including spouse and children.
5. Apply for lupus Social Security benefits by visiting your local Social Security office, by mail or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
6. Have your medical records from doctors, therapists, and hospitals including laboratory and test results related to your lupus.
7. Bring names, addresses, phone numbers of hospitals and clinics where you were treated for lupus symptoms, including dates and reason for treatment, as well as information of the physicians.
8. Bring names, dosages, and side effects of all medications you are taking.
9. Have a copy of your W-2, and if self-employed and federal tax return for the past year.
10. Have original or certified copies of birth certificates of those applying for lupus Social Security benefits.

Remember, you will be expected to prove disability. The people reviewing your claim will need to understand the full impact of lupus and your ability to work and perform normal activities of daily living. But even with the best documentation and proof, you might still be denied. Claims for disability are routinely disallowed on the first and usually on the second attempt.

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If you have ever been denied Social Security disability benefits, don't give up on your case. Pursue your disability claim by making an appeal. But to avoid the appeals process, try to be prepared from the start by getting together the right documentation. Remember, the success of your Social Security disability application may depend on a physician's report that is detailed and complete.

To prepare, first visit your physician at least three times per year so he or she is kept abreast of any changes in your condition that need to be documented for your most favorable lupus social security disability case. If your physician is aware you are a candidate for Social Security disability payments, he or she will know how important it is to make detailed chart entries.

Your physician should be taking notes not just on the basics of height and weight, but also functional deficits, adaptive reactions and physical capabilities to ensure a successful lupus Social Security disability case.

Second, describe your medical conditions as often as possible in a journal because that information is golden in your fibromyalgia Social Security disability case. Third, give your physician a list of your symptoms and problems so he can help you with your lupus Social Security disabilities case.

Then, file your disability claim at the Social Security Office. Your case will be transferred to the proper agency, in this case Disability Determination Services.

Finally, your case will be assigned to an Examiner who will order medical records that will be the basis for whether your claim is approved or denied. Your examiner will give more credence to your claim if your lupus diagnosis is coupled with another condition such as arthritis.

There is no guarantee you will receive lupus Social Security disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Before your apply for Social Security disability for your lupus, your job is to provide the Social Security Administration with what they need.

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