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Social Security: Continuing Disability Reviews: If An Investigator Comes Calling

Tips To Help Keep Control Of The Meeting With An Investigator

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  • Interviews with an investigator can be difficult. If you don't answer, or if you hesitate to answer a question, he or she might think you're hiding something. Although the investigator may be quite pleasant, an investigator is not your friend.
  • You don't have to fit their schedule. Whether an investigator calls for an appointment, or possibly shows up unannounced -- if it's not convenient, tell the investigator so and ask that s/he come back another time. Better yet, schedule a definite appointment for a time that works for both of you.
  • Don't refuse to meet with the investigator. You could be cut off.
  • Consider having someone else present. If you have a counselor or other knowledgeable friend or acquaintance, ask them to be there, even if it's just to listen. They can witness what was said should it become important later.
  • Get the investigator's business card. You want a record of the identity of the person with whom you talk.
  • Don't prepare too much. You don't have to appear in a robe, fresh out of your sick bed and barely able to walk or talk. Conversely, it's probably better that when you meet with the investigator you don't look as if you're in the middle of training for the triathlon or dressed for a tennis date when they arrive either. Think about your answers before the meeting, and maybe even review them with a friend or family member but don't try to memorize your answers or prepare a speech. The key is to know what you want to say rather than how you say it.
  • Take notes. Have a pad and pen with you for the interview. You don't have to write down everything that's said, but keep track of the types of questions asked. Write down anything that seems questionable, noting the language used by the investigator as much as possible. If you prefer, ask someone else to take notes for you, or, with the investigator's permission, tape record the conversation
  • Be assertive if necessary. If an investigator asks inappropriate questions, such as questions that are too personal or irrelevant to the status of your disability, politely ask the reason for the questions. Usually the interviewer will back down. If he doesn't, you can say you are uncomfortable answering that question at the moment, write the question down on your pad, and ask the investigator to send you a letter asking the question in writing with an explanation of its relevance.
  • Don't panic. The claim or a continuation of your benefit will not rise or fall on the one interview. So don't worry if you don't think it went well.
  • Don't lose sight of the purpose. Despite all the questions about your daily activities, your medications and your doctor's visits, and the investigator's seeming personal concern about you, the point of it all is to determine whether or not you meet the definition of disability for purposes of SSDI, not whether you are "disabled" in general or to become a friend.

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