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It is a frustrating process to apply for Social Security Disability. It is almost as frustrating to WATCH a loved one suffer while applying for Social Security Disability. The process of getting disability is long and tedious, full of paperwork, phone calls, doctors visits, and tests. For those of us who want to help our disabled loved ones as they endure the process, here are five basic ways:

1) Physical Assistance. If the person applying has a physical impairment, such as back or neck pain, it would be appropriate to help with groceries, laundry, cooking, and other tasks that may be difficult. If the person cannot drive or even walk, obviously offering to help with transportation would be helpful. If the person has live-in help, offer to take over for a few hours to give the helper a break. It may be refreshing to the helper and the disabled person to have a change.

2) Emotional Assistance. Whether the person applying has a physical or a mental impairment (or both), emotional assistance is one of the best ways to help. The process of getting disability benefits is long, and the applicant may need encouragement now and then. Most applicants are denied at least once, and may need you to encourage them to appeal the decision. Even if the person is in good spirits, it never hurts to be a good and supportive friend.

Remember that it is best to leave counseling to the experts. If your friend or loved one has depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or other mental disorders, resist the urge to provide counseling and simply be a supportive influence. If you notice the person is becoming suicidal or harmful to himself or others, seek medical help and have the doctor notify Social Security.

3) Financial Assistance. Your loved one may wait to get disability benefits for years. His or her financial situation will likely become strained, and the subject of loans or financial support may come up. Decide now how you are able and willing to help, if at all. Make sure the person understands what you can do, and help just enough to help the person get by. If he or she is approved, any back benefits can help cover debts incurred during the waiting period.

4) Assistance with Paperwork. Social Security paperwork can be complicated. If needed, the person applying can authorize a close friend or family member to help with paperwork and phone calls regarding their disability claim. If you are chosen to assist, make sure paperwork is completed accurately and completely, and that all required signatures are present. If there is any missing information, it will halt the disability claim for awhile. If you have questions, contact Social Security or a disability lawyer for clarification.

5) Assistance with Medical Evidence. One of the most painstaking parts of applying for Social Security Disability is gathering medical records. Although Social Security has the ability to request these records, it is often a good idea for the applicant to do so. The doctor is sometimes more willing to give copies of medical records to a patient than to Social Security (except for in cases of mental disorders), and it may speed up the disability claim. It also helps to have the applicant visit the doctor often to update records that may be used as medical evidence. As a friend or loved one, you can help the applicant get to doctors' visits, request copies of medical records, and make sure they are sent to Social Security.

Best of luck in your noble efforts, and best wishes for a favorable decision

Becca has been involved in the Social Security world since 1995 and enjoys watching the program change peoples' lives.