Common Disability Mistakes that People Make

Did you apply for Social Security Disability benefits? If your application was denied, you are not alone. It is estimated that 9 in 10 people have their initial application for disability benefits denied.

If you are disabled and unable to work, you should apply for benefits as soon as possible. It can take months to get benefits and the sooner you apply, the sooner you can expect your first check from the federal government. Before you send in your application, make sure to avoid common mistakes.

Why Do Social Security Disability Applications Get Denied?

There are many reasons the Social Security Administration (SSA) may deny you benefits. Once the SSA receives your application, evaluators examine your medical records and determine if you meet the SSA's requirements for Social Security benefits. Your application must convince the SSA that you are disabled.

According to the SSA, a Disabled Person

- Cannot do the work they did before
- Cannot adjust to other work because of their medical condition(s)
- Has a disability that has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death

There are common mistakes to avoid when completing your application for Social Security benefits. Below is a list of common mistakes that people make

Common Mistakes that People Make

- Incorrect Statements. The claim forms required by the SSA can be confusing to fill out. When completing the application, an applicant may misinterpret what the SSA is asking for and provide the wrong information. Make sure you understand what the SSA is asking for. If you are confused or need help, a qualified SSDI/SSI attorney or advocate can help. He or she will be familiar with the language used by the Social Security Administration.
- Unconvincing Doctor's Statement. Many claims are denied on the basis of the doctor's statement. Your doctor may believe that you are disabled, but the doctor's statement may not meet the criteria required by the SSA. When you ask your doctor for a statement, make sure he or she includes the necessary specifics required by the SSA. An experienced Social Security lawyer can speak with your doctor and make sure the doctor's statement is thorough and precise. A doctor's statement is crucial to winning Social Security benefits.
- Incomplete Disability Reports. One of the most important parts of your application is the Disability Report. Make sure to spend at least a couple of days filling out this form. The Disability Report provides information regarding your disability and it is used by the SSA to determine your own assessment regarding your disability.

Below is a list of information you will need to complete the Disability Report.

Information Needed to Complete the Disability Report

- Your Social Security number
- The name, address and telephone number of someone else who knows about your conditions
- A description of your conditions, including when they began and how they keep you from working
- The names and contact information for all doctors, hospitals and clinics that you have seen and the dates you saw them
- The name of each medical test that you have had
- The name of each prescription medicine that you take
- All the types of jobs you held in the last 15 years
- A description of the work you did

Additional Information Needed

- Insufficient Medical Documentation. The SSA relies on your medical records to determine your eligibility for benefits. It is crucial that you provide medical documentation to the SSA. You can obtain your medical records from the hospitals, clinics, doctors, therapists and counselors you visited for treatment. Your primary physician should also have copies of your records.
- Complete Work History. The application for Social Security benefits includes a section on your work history. Make sure you complete this section of the application. In the Work History section of the application, you will need to provide the location and name of previous employers, the duration of employment and the type of work that you performed. You will also have to submit a current W-2 form.

What Can I Do To Improve My Chances of Winning Social Security Benefits?

- Keep a Journal. Experienced Social Security attorneys recommend that applicants maintain a dated journal to document the ailments they experience on a daily basis. The journal should include the limitations in your life that have been caused by the disability.
- Hire a Disability Lawyer. Statistics show that Social Security applicants who hire a disability lawyer are more likely to have their applications approved. Disability lawyers understand the application process and how the Social Security Administration works. A lawyer can help you complete your Social Security application correctly and significantly improve your chances of receiving benefits.
- Keep Medical Documents Organized. The SSA requires substantial medical documents to show that you are disabled. Keep copies of your medical records and keep your documents organized in a binder or a file.

The process for applying for Social Security Disability may seem lengthy and complicated. However, don't give up! Break the application into sections and compete the sections one-by-one. An attorney or a disability lawyer can also help you with each step of the application process.