Here’s a novel gift family and friends can give to a person applying for disability…that can help win the case. Lay witness statements carry great weight, especially from friends and family. So why not take a few minutes to write a letter that describes what you have observed about the applicant’s limitations, compared to how he or she used to function?
Here are some bullet points to keep in mind as you write your letter:
How long have you known the claimant?
What is the nature of your relationship?
How much time do you spend with the claimant in an average week?
How do you spend time together?
How does the claimant spend most of his/her time?
Are certain activities particularly difficult for the claimant? Please describe in detail. Has this changed? If so, since when?
Do you know how well the claimant sleeps? Does the claimant need to nap each day?
Do you know whether the claimant is in pain or discomfort? If so, how much of an average day is the claimant in pain or discomfort?
How does the claimant’s pain or discomfort affect his/her day?
Does the claimant take medications that have an effect on his/her ability to concentrate or focus?
How do the claimant’s impairment(s) affect his/her social life?
Does the claimant have friends?
What activities does the claimant engage in outside the house?
Does the claimant need supervision to complete tasks, maintain a schedule, or carry out a routine?
Does the claimant have any difficulty with understanding, remembering, or carrying out instructions?
Does the claimant have any difficulty with concentrating or following through with activities or projects?
Does the claimant have trouble working at a consistent pace, or work more slowly than the average person? Please describe in detail.
How does the claimant handle stress and/or high-pressure situations?
Has the claimant attempted to work, and if so, why did those jobs end?
Is there anything else you’d like to add about whether the claimant would be able to consistently maintain full-time work?