Take notes about your symptoms, keep track of them on a calendar, and bring these with you when you see your doctor. Inform your doctor that you have applied for disability benefits and ask that notes about your symptoms be put in your medical records. You must be able to show the Social Security Administration that your symptoms are frequent and severe enough that you have been or are expected to be unable to work full-time. Even if you are HIV-positive or have AIDS, the Social Security Administration may deny your application. Do not assume that you are not eligible for benefits if you are denied after you first apply.
Many applicants are successful after appealing.
Under both SSDI and SSI, you have the right to appeal the denial of your claim for disability benefits. This will be important if you appeal. If your appeal is denied, you can always re-apply later. For a list of free or low cost legal services to help you appeal a denial of Social Security benefits, see the Resources chapter. Medical Assistance is a free health insurance program for disabled, blind or elderly individuals who have little or no income and resources.