5 Mistakes To Avoid When Making an SSD Claim
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed to assist individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. However, while SSDI is meant to help people, applying for benefits can be a confusing and frustrating process. It is easy to make mistakes that result in you not qualifying for benefits that you would have otherwise qualified for. Luckily, by understanding these mistakes, you can increase your chances of getting your SSD claim approved.
Below are five of the most common mistakes to avoid when making an SSD claim.
1. Waiting Too Long To Apply
You might assume that you must be out of work for a year before applying for SSD benefits, but that is not true. Once your doctor has determined that you cannot work due to your disability and that this may be the case for 12 months or more, you should start the process of applying for SSD benefits.
Delaying the filing of your claim can result in the loss of months of back pay. Once your SSD claim is approved, you can only recover retroactive benefits for the 12 months preceding your application. If you wait for over a year from when you stop working, you could lose benefits with each passing month.
Even if you are unsure that your condition will be long-term, it’s advisable to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and inform them that you intend to file for disability benefits. That way, you establish a protective filing date that can be used as your filing state if you decide to apply for benefits later.
2. Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
You need to submit complete and accurate forms to the SSA. If you submit incomplete or inaccurate forms, your claim could be denied or delayed. Common paperwork mistakes to avoid include;
- Not filling out all sections
- Not listing all doctors, hospitals, and medications
- Failing to list all conditions
- Providing insufficient medical evidence
- Leaving out details about part-time or past employment
Double-check your application before submitting it. If possible, have a skilled SSD attorney review the application with you to ensure everything is accurate and complete.
3. Not Following Your Doctor’s Orders
If you don’t follow your doctor’s orders, including not attending appointments, not following physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises, or skipping medication, the SSA might conclude that your condition isn’t as serious as you claim. If, for example, you cannot attend a doctor’s appointment for a genuine reason, ensure you have that in documentation.
4. Not Documenting the Impact of the Disability on Your Life
Medical records may not fully convey how your disability affects your daily life and ability to work. You need to document the real-world limitations imposed by your condition. For example, keep a daily journal detailing how your condition affects your ability to work or perform everyday tasks. Such evidence can help give SSA a complete picture of your disability’s impact.
5. Not Hiring an Attorney
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, it’s advisable that you retain one. Filing for SSD benefits can be a complex process. A skilled Social Security Disability attorney can guide you through the process. They can ensure your application is accurate and complete, represent you during hearings, and communicate with the SSA on your behalf. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better.
Contact Us for Legal Help
For help filing your SSD claim, contact our skilled London & Southeast Kentucky social security disability attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm today.
