Social Security Disability benefits can provide a financial lifeline in your time of need. While the process of recovering these benefits may seem straightforward, the fact of the matter is that the majority of disability claims are initially denied. You have the ability to appeal a claim denial, but you can increase your chances of successfully recovering the benefits you need at the initial phases of your case by avoiding costly mistakes.
What mistakes are commonly made in disability cases?
The Social Security Disability claims process is more complicated than many people realize. As a result, there are several mistakes that claimants make that put their cases at risk of denial. Here are some that you should be aware of and work to avoid:
- Being unaware of condition-specific requirements: Each medical condition that qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits has its own requirements. If you’re unaware of those requirements, then there’s a good chance that you’re going to overlook evidence that speaks to one of them, which will result in your claim being denied. So, do your homework to make sure you understand what you have to show to prove that you meet the government’s requirements.
- Seeking and obtaining unemployment benefits: Remember, when you seek disability benefits, you’re telling the government that you’re unable to work for a significant period. If you’re claiming unemployment benefits, though, then you’re saying that you’re able and willing to work but simply can’t find a job. Those contradictions are sure to lead to a disability claim denial.
- Exaggerating your condition: You don’t want to downplay the severity of your condition, but you also don’t want to exaggerate it. If you do, disability examiners will likely catch inconsistencies in your account, thereby leading to a denial of your claim.
- Failing to seek proper medical treatment: Before giving you disability benefits, the government is going to want to see that you’ve sought continuous treatment for your medical condition. If you haven’t, then it’s easy for the Social Security Administration to argue that there’s no indication that you’re unable to work, since, according to them, your medical condition could significantly improve if you secure the treatment you need.
- Engaging in substantial gainful activity: If you’re still working and earning above a threshold limit despite your disability, then the government will argue that you’re able to work enough that you don’t need disability benefits.
- Submitting incomplete information: When you submit your disability claim, you need to be thorough and accurate. If you’re unclear or gloss over certain parts of your claim, then you’ll be denied the benefits you need.
- Neglecting to take medications related to your condition: To verify the severity of your condition, the Social Security Administration will consider whether you’ve followed your doctor’s recommendations, including taking your prescribed medication. If you haven’t been, then it’ll be alleged that your condition isn’t as severe as you claim it to be.
Don’t let your own actions or inactions crater your disability case
There’s too much at stake in your disability case to proceed with anything less than a well- thought-out claim that speaks to the requirements specific to your medical condition. So, do your homework, educate yourself on what it takes to succeed, and diligently work to gather the evidence necessary to convince the government of your need for financial support.
