By: Ashmar Mandou

Applying for Social Security Disability can be a tricky thing and quite overwhelming if you don’t know how to properly do so. “There is a wealth of information out there as to how to go about filing the proper paper work for Social Security Disability, but people, especially the Latino community, have no idea as to where to begin,” said Dr. Yolanda Ayubi, executive director of Dr. Ayubi and Associates Social Security Disability Advocates.

Over the past decade, Dr. Ayubi has seen many mistakes made on applications, which prompted her to begin work on a book that focuses on Social Security Disability and how it impacts the ‘ethnic community,’ stated Dr. Ayubi. “In order for people to apply for disability they first need to prove they are disable and in order to do that they must see a doctor,” said Dr. Ayubi. “This step is particularly important and that’s where miscommunication mostly happens.” With that said, Dr. Ayubi compiled a five-point list of what needs to be done before you apply for Social Security Disability. The list is as follows:

• You are not working
• You are seeing a doctor
• Your illness made disabled
• You cannot do the job you did before
• You cannot work at all and need help from others

“It is extremely important people gather as much information they can in regards to their health,” said Dr. Ayubi. “Document every symptom, every ache, every doctor’s visit, and ask as many questions as you can. Also, listen to what your doctor needs from you as a patient.”

To learn more about how to get started, visit www.ssa.gov/disability. Or call Dr. Ayubi and Associates, at 312-912-7122 to see if you qualify.