Submitting Evidence
To Improve Your Chances
Again, you do not need to present proof of your disability when you apply for disability benefits, but you may submit evidence after you have filed your application. Generally, you will have very little, if any control, over the medical evidence that is in your file at the application stage. However, you may be able to improve your chances of being found disabled, by submitting additional non-medical evidence concerning your disability. Examples of documents include:
• A letter from your last employer describing the problems you had performing your work duties.
• A letter from your church leader, describing observed problems (such as decreased participation or visible physical strain/pain).
• A letter from volunteer organizations detailing why you are no longer able to participate due to your condition.
• A letter from a friend or neighbor detailing activity level or mood/personality changes (like reactive depression).
• School records showing academic difficulty or poor performance.
• A report from a vocational rehabilitation agency finding that you are not a candidate for retraining.












