![]() ![]() He also started missing notes because he had trouble pressing down on the valves. Barry had to quit playing his instrument, the trumpet, because he had a hard time holding his arms up long enough to finish even ten minutes of music. We became good friends.īarry was in a car accident several years ago and had to have back surgery. We were both musicians in the same orchestra, and I saw Barry at least once a week for practice. My name is Grace and I have known Barry for twenty years. Here's an example of a letter from a friend that keeps the above tips in mind: (You'll also avoid complicating your case with a letter stating you "look fine" or "don't seem depressed.") But if the letter writer has been with you while you've had a panic attack, for example, the letter can address the circumstances surrounding the attack. ![]() Your mental state and pain level are subjective factors that the ALJ will be asking you about at the hearing. The letter should avoid broad speculation about your mental state or your pain level.If your friend or a family member has to get your mail because you can't walk to the mailbox, the letter should mention how far away the mailbox is using terms like "50 feet" or "5 minutes." Disability judges love numbers, so the letter should contain references to distances and weights (if possible). For example, if you have a cousin who comes by to help you make meals, wash the dishes, and unload the laundry, your cousin's letter should address how frequently they need to stop by and what they've seen you struggle to do. The letter should contain only information that the person writing your support letter has personally witnessed.ALJs have a heavy caseload and don't have much time to sift through long letters looking for relevant information. Here are four tips on how to write a helpful support letter: Section E of this form ("Remarks") allows you to attach a support letter from your friend or family member. The form asks specific questions about activities of daily living, but doesn't provide a lot of space to answer. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a form called the Third-Party Function Report that you give to the person who you've asked to write a letter. How Do My Friends and Family Write a Support Letter? Try to ask somebody who is living independently from you, but spends part of their time helping you out. Many people are tempted to ask their spouse or partner who they live with to write a support letter, but judges don't always consider them to be the most objective sources of information. Church groups, sports clubs, or social organizations that you were previously active in are good places to start if you're having trouble coming up with somebody who could write you a support letter. Ideally, you'll have a close friend or family member who has known you for a long time and can shed light on how your life has changed as a result of your disabling condition. For example, if you have a neighbor who regularly assists you with tasks like grocery shopping, taking out the trash, or cleaning the house, having them write a letter can provide insight into your restrictions. You should ask only a friend or family member who is familiar with how your limitations affect your activities of daily living or work-related activities. ![]() Who Should I Ask to Write a Disability Letter? But sometimes, well-crafted letters can help the judge better understand what your limitations are and why you're unable to work. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) can then review the letters and ask you questions about them at a disability hearing.Īdmittedly, ALJs don't always put a lot of weight into letters from your friends and family-they're typically more interested in what you and your doctors have to say. These supportive letters become part of the official record. Applicants for Social Security disability benefits will often ask a friend or family member to write a letter explaining why the applicant can't work. ![]()
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