When applying for disability, you have to decide if you believe you are genuinely disabled. That means not being able to work at all because of your illness. However, if you are applying for short-term disability, the same criteria do not apply.

Ask yourself, can I do any work? Actual disability requires that you believe that your illness is so severe that you cannot work “any” job. If you can perform some jobs or your past jobs, you may not be considered disabled. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how much income the alternative employment might provide. 

1. Applying for private disability is markedly different from applying for social security benefits. You need to understand that there are many kinds of policies. Ask yourself, does my disabling condition fit the qualifications of my particular policy. If you cannot work to support your livelihood, then you deserve to receive disability benefits.
2. You need to realize, however, that you are competing against millions of people, who believe like you, that they may be entitled to disability benefits.
3. Ask what is significant about your disabling condition, what sets your symptoms apart from the millions of other people applying for disability.
4. There are so many technical and exact requirements that you must establish to succeed in winning your disability case.
5. You need to understand that it is not easy to obtain disability benefits. If you want to receive benefits, you will have to be
6. Know the exact reason(s) why you cannot work. What stops you from being able to walk, stand, sit, lift at work. Take an honest analysis. Again you have to realize you are competing against millions of other people who think they qualify for disability benefits just like you do.
7. Your health care professionals are the backbone of your disability case. If your doctor thinks you can work, it is highly doubtful that you will be approved. You have to have the support of your doctor. 
8. Don’t be embarrassed to let your family, friends, and employers know why you can no longer work. Those very people may become your lifeline during the disability approval process. They may add positive proof to your disability case.
9. Don’t be afraid to use assistance devices if you need them, such as a cane, crutches, walker, shower chair, toilet seat lift, hospital bed. These devices can go a long way toward helping you with activities of daily living.
10. Understand exactly what you need to prove your disability claim. Check and recheck with your disability claims examiner. Fill out all forms completely and correctly.
11. Mistakes during the disability application process are not an option. Time is not on your side. The only real assets you have is knowledge about every step you need to take and the cooperation of your health care providers, employers and family.