Experiencing an injury or illness that’s disabling can be terrifying, especially since you may no longer be able to work. Fortunately, there is a good chance that you will be able to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Even though you may have some financial protection, learning to live with a long-term disabling condition can be extremely challenging. It may take some time to get over grieving the loss of an ability due to your disability and to learn to live with it. However, most people will end up going through the five stages of adjustment before they can come to terms with their disability.

Grieving the Loss of an Ability

The following are the five stages of adjustment that most people will end up going through when they have experienced a long-term disability as a result of an injury or illness:

Denia

The first stage is denying that your injury or illness is a disability. You don’t want to believe that you are disabled, and you may even try to perform the tasks that you were previously capable of doing. This can be problematic since you could end up hurting yourself further as a result. Additionally, the longer you’re in denial, the longer you may put off filing for SSDI benefits. You’ll want to apply as soon as possible once you’ve become disabled.

Anger

Anger often occurs as the second stage for several reasons. You may experience anger at your situation and because what happened simply wasn’t fair. You may also become angry because you are unable to complete the tasks that you were once capable of as a result of the injury. This anger may cause you to lash out at others.

Bargaining

Once you are able to get past the anger stage, you may begin to try and bargain. For example, announcing that you’ll give up another ability in order to gain back the ability you lost.

Depression

Depression often occurs once you realize that trying to bargain isn’t going to get back the ability you’ve lost. There’s generally a level of acceptance during this stage, but it causes sadness because of the knowledge that things won’t be the same.

Acceptance

The last stage of the adjustment process is full acceptance of the fact that you’ve lost an ability. You may still have some sadness, but you’re no longer feeling as hopeless. At this point, you are more likely to become resolved to move on and to make the most of what you do have.

Everybody experiences these stages differently, but knowing what they are can help you get through to the acceptance stage more successfully and quickly.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance

The following are the steps you’ll need to take in order to apply for SSDI:

• Gather the necessary documents – You will need to provide copies of all of your medical records as well as lab and test results. Make sure that you have an official diagnosis as well. Additionally, you will need to supply a recent W-2 form or copy of your federal tax return.
• Gather the information required – You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, names and dosages of your medications, a summary of your work history, social security number, and the names and contact information of any doctors, hospitals, caseworkers, and clinics that took care of you (along with dates of visits).
• Fill out the SSDI application – You can fill out an application online, at your local SSA office, or over the phone (1-800-772-1213)

Going through the five stages of grief as you are grieving the loss of an ability can be difficult. However, you shouldn’t let how you are feeling prevent you from filing for SSDI as soon as you can. We can help you apply for SSDI as quickly as possible. Contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA by calling 602-952-3200 or by using our LiveChat feature to schedule a free consultation today.

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.