Top 10 Mistakes Social Security Disability Claimants Make, We all know how challenging it is to apply for social security benefits and also fret about the conditions that can reject your application. Applying for disability benefits is no different than it and makes the process difficult. Well, if there is a problem there is a solution present, if you want to increase your chances of winning social security benefits in one go then there are a few ways that you can consider and get through this difficult process with ease.
So, first of all, you must understand social security and how the system works. On the internet and also from the social security administration website you can gain as much information as you like.
Top 10 Mistakes Social Security Disability Claimants Make
Dos and Don’ts While Applying For the Social Security Disability Claim
Tip: – you must hire an experienced attorney as it is the best way to get knowledge of the SS system and they can guide you with every step.
Below are the Dos and Don’ts that will help you in increasing your chances of winning social security benefits.
The Dos
Ø First of all, it is important that you have collected all the paperwork which is required to submit an initial application for social security. Documents required are
- Birth certificate or any other proof
- Proof that you are a United States citizen or proof of your alien status.
- Self-employment tax return forms or W-2 forms
- If you were military personnel then you will need discharge papers( service before 1968)
- Award letters, settlement agreements, pay stubs, or any other proof of permanent or temporary workers
- You will also need medical evidence and these documents must be in your possession. It includes recent tests, medical records, and doctor’s records.
- For disability benefits, you must show all your medical records and submit the name of the doctor and even the dates of your treatment. You must also be in contact with your doctors and make sure that they legally support your claim.
- Your doctor will prepare a precise source statement that will describe the medical condition you are experiencing and also the reason behind your disability so that SSA knows why you are unable to work further.
- In case your doctor agrees with everything even then you will need a second opinion. To make your winning possible you will need support as well as a huge amount of information is required throughout the process.
- You must be getting treatment for your disability because the social security administration will look at your condition to come to any decision.
- You must be seeking treatment and your doctor must know about your symptoms as well as limitations which will help them in understanding the severity of your condition and why you are helpless to work.
- Your SSA forms must be complete no matter what questions are present in the application like your medical histories and employment information.
- You must submit all the medical record copies with the application or immediately after you make the claim.
- You must visit your doctor frequently and follow their guidance and take the medications you need.
- If you are having witnesses then it is a very good thing because they can confirm your disability. It can be your caregiver or employer. A witness will be helpful while hearing or in case your application was denied for the first time.
Things to keep in your mind
- It might take time to get a decision on your claim. In case you feel that waiting for the decision will impact your financial status or will create hardship then you must consider filing a dire need letter. This will assist in speeding up your hearing date. Her attorneys can assist you in filing DNL.
- You must be cooperating with the representative of SSA by responding to requests without skipping any deadline or appointment.
- You must not lie anything about the claim and tell truth.
- You must keep yourself updated about the status of the claim to make sure it is not held for any reason.
- You can take the help of the attorney or SSA representative about the right way to follow up.
The Don’ts
Every SS disability case is different from another, but in general, there are a few things that you must completely avoid.
- If you are collecting unemployment benefits then this can affect your claim. If you have applied for unemployment benefits or receiving then you are stating that you are able to work or ready to work. By applying for social security disability benefits then you are indicating that you are not able to work.
- You must not be employed while you apply for the claim because your employment shows that you can earn your living and your employment will affect your Social Security claim application.
- You must not be working with a doctor who does not support your claim. You will need people who support your claim as this will help your case otherwise unsupportive people will only prolong the process.
- In case you cannot afford an attorney then there are platforms from where you can hire an attorney without any fee until you are successful in getting social security benefits if you will have an attorney by your side you will get a lot of help from them and this will also help you in avoiding all the don’ts mentioned in the list.
- You must not miss any deadline as this will impact your application negatively. In case your application is rejected then you will be given sixty days to again file an appeal. If you miss this deadline then you will totally lose the chance of challenging the social security administration’s decision.
- Never miss an appointment with your doctor or an interview with the social security representative or hearing.
These are the Dos and Don’ts that will help you in increasing your chances of winning your social security disability claim. Keep in mind that an attorney is the best way to get out of any challenge that comes in the way of SSA claims. Also, take the aid of the social security representative experience to keep updated.