How to Apply for Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits

Permanent total disability provides monthly cash payments for any person unable to work. Receiving disability benefits involves a process of determining both the severity of the medical condition and the ability to work. The decision is based not only on the ability to do the current or most recent job but also whether or not any work can be performed. Disability benefits are available for all insured workers and uninsured workers through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Contact the local SSA office or apply online at the SSA website. Although specific requirements may be different with some private disability insurance providers, most follow SSA procedures for determining disability insurance eligibility.

Things You'll Need

• Complete medical history
• Names and addresses of all doctors and treating facilities for the past two years
• Complete work history for the past 15 years
• Educational history up to final grade completed
• List of any current prescription drugs

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Instructions

Medical records

• 1

  List all medical conditions affecting the ability to work. Avoid listing issues such as dental or cosmetic treatments that have no impact on whether the ability to walk, stand, lift, carry or use the hands and fingers are affected. Include any mental issues treated such as depression or attention deficit problems.

• 2

  List all doctors, clinics and hospitals where treated for the past two years. Include names, mailing addresses and phone numbers.

• 3

  List all prescription drugs taken regularly related to conditions affecting the ability to work. Also, consider including drugs such as skin treatments or allergy medicines that may not affect issues such as pain or internal diagnosis. All medications have an impact on the metabolism and should be assessed during a disability application.

Work history

• 4

  Include a complete work history for the previous 15 years or as many years worked. Include the names of employers, supervisors, addresses, phone numbers, positions held and final salary.

• 5

  Include a description of the physical requirements for each job. Describe the amount of walking, standing, lifting or carrying each job required. Try to determine the maximum weight carried to do the job. Also, describe any need for manipulation or special skills using the hands and fingers such as keypadding, assembly or fine detail work.

• 6

  Describe the needed training and experience to do each job. Include how much concentration, attention to detail and flexibility to new tasks the job involved.

Education

• 7

  List all grade schools and high schools attended, the highest grade attained and if graduated. Include addresses and phone numbers if possible.

• 8

  List all colleges or trade schools attended. Include names, addresses and highest degree completed.

• 9

  List any specialized training completed to do a specific job. This could include on-the-job training classes, military training and continuing education outside of the job.