To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, your medical condition must prevent you from working for at least a year or be expected to result in death. You must show the Social Security Administration medical evidence of your condition, including a history of medical care and ongoing treatment. The bottom line: The SSA needs to see how your condition affects your health, daily life, and ability to work.
What medical records should you gather?
Collect as many records as you can that relate to your condition, especially:
Medical history and treatment notes
Test results and lab reports
Doctor’s statements about your diagnosis and limitations
What if you don’t currently see a doctor?
If you aren’t seeing a doctor, proving your case may be more challenging. If cost or access is a barrier, free and low-cost medical clinics can help. You can find more resources here.