The Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Applying for Disability Benefits

Filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits requires careful attention and precision. Your chances of approval are directly tied to how well your application is presented. To help you with this complex process, our team has compiled a comprehensive guide highlighting mistakes to avoid when filing your Social Security benefits application.

Continue reading to uncover these common pitfalls and understand how a Social Security disability lawyer can support you through this journey. Our team is committed to answering your questions and guiding you every step of the way. Remember, you don’t have to face this process alone; we’re here to help you succeed.

Avoid Common Mistakes: The Importance of Thorough Research and Planning

If you’re considering a Social Security disability application, you should have clear intentions and evidence to prove your disability. Failing to research and plan is a common mistake many people make when applying for their SSDI benefits. This can greatly impact your chances of being approved for benefits and the overall process.

Understanding Eligibility and Preparing Your Documentation

Before beginning the application process, it is important to understand the requirements for approval and what documentation you will need to provide. Researching and planning will give you a better understanding of the disability types that qualify you for benefits and the severity of those disabilities required to be eligible. 

Knowing this information beforehand can help you avoid wasting time and effort applying for benefits you do not qualify for.

Importance of Reviewing Documentation and Planning Ahead

Thoroughly reviewing the required documentation can help speed up the application process and reduce the likelihood of your application being rejected or delayed due to missing or incomplete information. If you don’t plan ahead, you may miss important deadlines and miss out on benefits you are entitled to.

The Value of Preparation and Understanding the SSDI Application Process

By dedicating time to preparation, you can ensure that you’re able to provide all necessary documentation and secure the benefits you need and deserve. It’s essential to take your time and make sure you comprehend the process before submitting your application. This can alleviate stress and frustration throughout the application process.

Determining if Your Medical Condition Qualifies

An essential step in applying for Social Security benefits is confirming if your condition qualifies. To do this, refer to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) list of impairments and find your condition. After locating your disability, ensure you exhibit the required number of symptoms to be eligible to assure your eligibility and avoid false hope.

A further advantage of confirming your disability qualification is knowing the right questions to ask when you consult with a Social Security disability attorney.

The Importance of Regular Medical Care

Regular medical care is crucial for a successful claim. Without medical evidence of your condition, any complaints about pain or limitations lack substantiation, meaning you won’t be able to secure benefits. To ensure your medical condition is taken seriously, you also need to treat it seriously – which includes seeking the appropriate treatment.

Consistently attending your doctor’s appointments provides you with crucial evidence like medical records and opinions to support your SSDI application. Moreover, should your application be denied, your experienced disability lawyer can more easily supplement your file with the necessary evidence.

Not Accounting for Mental Health Conditions

Many applicants make the mistake of overlooking mental health conditions when filing a Social Security disability claim. Regardless of the reasons (uncertainty about eligibility, social stigma, or lack of awareness), it is crucial to include any mental health conditions that impact your work ability. This is especially true if there’s medical evidence supporting their severity.

While physical disabilities are seen as more debilitating, mental health conditions can be just as inhibiting. All types of work require cognitive function and emotional stability, and if a mental health condition hinders these aspects, it can significantly impact job performance.

For instance, if severe anxiety has consistently interfered with your ability to meet deadlines or communicate effectively with co-workers, these and other conditions could qualify you for Social Security benefits. The key is to fully disclose all health conditions, physical and mental, that limit your ability to work.

Be Cautious About Collecting Unemployment While Applying for Disability Benefits

It’s tempting to apply for unemployment benefits when you’re disabled and can’t work. However, unemployment and disability benefits serve two distinct purposes. For example, unemployment benefits are for individuals temporarily out of work but are actively seeking employment, whereas disability benefits are for those unable to work due to a disabling condition.

If you’re applying for disability benefits, collecting unemployment could complicate your case because it suggests you’re capable of working. Furthermore, collecting unemployment benefits while also collecting SSDI benefits could potentially reduce your disability amount. 

This is because your disability benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings, and the income from unemployment benefits (which is taxable) can affect this calculation. Therefore, to avoid potential issues with your Social Security disability application, we recommend avoiding seeking unemployment benefits until you can discuss your options with an experienced disability attorney.

Waiting Too Long to Appeal a Denied SSDI Benefits Claim

When an SSDI claim is denied, many applicants understandably feel discouraged. However, it’s important to remember you only have a 60-day window to file an appeal. If you fail to meet this deadline, you’ll need to initiate a whole new claim which can delay the process and your potential approval further.

Moreover, if the denial becomes administratively final, it could be binding – at least up until the decision date – on any future claim you submit. Reopening past denied claims is only possible under very specific circumstances. Thus, once your claim has been denied, it’s crucial to quickly seek the help of a legal professional experienced in Social Security benefits and appeals to get the appeals process started.

Failing to Consult an Attorney

An attorney can offer candid advice on whether you should pursue the denied claim. Further, an attorney can help file the appeals, make sure the paperwork is completed, and make sure all probative evidence reaches the SSA. Since attorneys are paid only if they win the claim, there’s very little risk to you when you contact an attorney.

And if you haven’t applied yet, a Social Security disability benefits attorney can help you file your initial application. That way, you can be sure you have the highest chance of getting approved for benefits.

Talk to a Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer About Common Application Mistakes

There is a lot of potential for mistakes you can make when applying for disability benefits. You must therefore make sure you review everything carefully before submitting your application. Avoiding these mistakes can make the process go much faster and increase your chances of success.

Remember you can always contact our Social Security disability benefits attorneys at Pilzer Klein for help with your disability claim and a FREE consultation.