NEVER SAY THIS TO A DISABILITY DOCTOR

Here are some things you should never say to a disability doctor.

1. I think I'm dying.

2. On a scale of 1 to 10, my pain is a 13.

3. I can't do anything at all.

4. My doctor doesn't believe me.

5. I just took a long trip to ________. (You will in the blank).

6. I stopped working due to fear of COVID.

7. I quit working --for ANY reason besides disability!

8. Do you think I'm disabled, Doctor?

9. I only drink socially.

10. I deserve disability more than a lot of people who get it.

Try to focus on answering the doctor's questions. Don't try to "sell" the doctor on being disabled. The doctor cannot make that decision. Be cooperative. Try to stick to a discussion of your medical problems. Be prepared to give a short oral history of your medical condition.

Be prepared to answer questions like:

• Why did you apply for disability. OR

• What makes you unable to work?

• How ya' doing today? (If you say "Fine," the doctor will take it literally).

Remember: Social Security only pays for a physical and/or mental condition that makes it impossible for you to work on a long term basis (12 months or more). Some things Social Security will NOT pay for:

• I got fired.

• I can't find any work or nobody will hire me

• I don't have transportation or I can't drive any more.

• I don't have any skills or enough education

• I'm staying home to care for my sick (child, mother, father, spouse......).

Make sure not to discuss family problems, financial problems, work problems, unemployment problems, transportation problems, etc. You are applying for Disability. Focus on your medical or mental condition that makes you unable to work.