What Are Some of the Common Mistakes When Applying For Social Security Benefits?

Anytime you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, it is always a challenging and usually frustrating process. There are myriad forms to fill out; if done incorrectly, your claim could be delayed or even denied entirely.

Although the SSA does outline how to apply for disability benefits, the most prudent and wise move is never to attempt to apply for these benefits on your own. If you wish to enhance your chances of achieving a successful acceptance of your application and avoid jeopardizing your claim, be aware of these common mistakes that people make when applying:

  • Always do your homework – Do your research and find out what types of benefit options you have available, see if you qualify, and get organized.
  • Always check the status of your claim regularly – If there are “hiccups,” this will move your case along and allow you to correct mistakes ASAP. Always call your local Social Security office and speak with your claims examiner to get regular updates on its progress.
  • Missing the appeals or other deadlines – Deadlines on all application deadlines are critical. Let’s say you’re denied; then you have 60 days from receiving your denial notice to request an appeal or start over.
  • Never exaggerate your disability – Just be as truthful as possible about your disability and its impact on your life. Honesty is vital and is always the best policy.
  • Continue to receive consistent medical treatment – Remember that you must provide solid evidence proving that your medical condition doesn’t allow you to work at your current job.
  • Believing you can handle your application and case alone – This is probably one of the most common reasons people’s claims are denied. Therefore, always enlist the help of a qualified, professional San Diego Social Security Disability lawyer to assist in this process from beginning to end.

These are only a sample of common mistakes you may make when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. However, by getting the assistance of your local San Diego Social Security Disability lawyer, all of these mistakes and more are avoidable.

What Could Improve My Odds of Getting Social Security Disability Benefits?

Most Americans work hard but sometimes find themselves in situations where they must apply for Social Security disability benefits. At first, you may be reluctant to accept this help, which may be a difficult decision.

Statistically, though, millions of people every year face this issue. If it’s truly needed, then there’s no reason to hesitate to apply for the help you and your family need.

It’s always wise to consult with a San Diego disability law firm and obtain their professional help. Your SSD lawyer is fully versed in knowing how to file correctly, what to include, and what may be needed to get the benefits you are entitled to.

The following tips will improve your chances of getting the benefits you need.

  • File Your Claim as Soon as Possible – Don’t hesitate, as this is usually a lengthy process, and the sooner you start, the better.
  • Make any Appeals within 60 Days – If you are initially rejected, your lawyer will make your appeal quickly while your case is still active.
  • Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment – Thorough and detailed medical information is critical to approve your benefits claim. Also, your SSD law firm is an expert at gathering what’s necessary.
  • Provide Proof of Recent Treatment – This data is vital, showing you are still suffering from your injury or ailment and being actively treated.
  • Report your Symptoms Accurately – Be accurate in all your information, but do not embellish it or lessen this information in any way.

There is more, but these documents, forms, and information needed should be complete, in-depth, and comprehensive. Ensuring all these forms are filled out correctly is also vital, and consulting with your Social Security Disability lawyer will significantly increase your chances of getting the benefits you need.

How Does the SSA Make Decisions On My Disability

Social Security commonly has a detailed process to help them decide whether you are disabled and should receive benefits.

First, they must find out about your job and if you still can perform it. They also must know if you learned skills while doing the job.

You must note that the SSA will not deem you disabled unless your illnesses, injuries, or conditions prevent you from doing your job.

Any information regarding your education and training is also vital to this process. Let’s say you can’t do your current job, but they will use your age, education, training, and work experience to see if you can do other types of work.

Each case differs, and your skilled disability lawyer is highly familiar with how the SSA reaches its decisions and will provide all the documents and proof possible to validate and successfully prove your case.

What Can I Do If My Claim is Initially Denied?

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for your initial claim to be denied, especially if you attempt to file by yourself. The good news, however, is that Social Security Disability approval rates have recently risen but still are only approximately 30% of all processed applications.

This is one of the main reasons for professional help filing your case. You will be denied if you file and your paperwork needs to be corrected or if something is missing. All documents will be correctly filled out and appropriately presented if you have your lawyer’s file.

But if you are denied, and your lawyer disagrees with the SSA’s decision, you have the right to appeal and definitely should do so!

In this appeals process, the first thing to do is to request reconsideration. Here, your disability claim will be reviewed by an examiner who did not participate in the first review of your case. Your lawyer may be asked to update or submit further data if needed.

Your experienced San Diego SSD lawyer has all the skills to argue your case with the administrative law judge.

Statistics show that approximately 56% of appeals are won when handled professionally. This is easier to understand, considering that this review is usually the first time you meet with an SSD reviewer, and they hear (and see) firsthand how your disability affects your life.

I Must Apply For Social Security Disability and Need Help; What Should I Do?

Injuries or illness can stop you from earning a living at any time. At these times, Social Security Disability benefits become critically important to you and your family’s future. However, this application process is overwhelming and complex and involves stacks of documents, medical records, and much more.

Consulting with an experienced, knowledgeable, empathetic, and thorough San Diego Social Security Disability lawyer will always help to ensure you file correctly and comprehensively the first time. Your skilled SSD law team will also give you the best legal advice on what documents you must compile, complete, and file to win.

The disability lawyers at Roeschke Law, LLC know how complex this process is, especially while coping with a dire medical condition; they stand ready to provide you with professional representation in a caring and detailed manner.

Call them today at (800) 975-1866, and they will help to ensure you obtain the disability benefits you need and rightfully deserve.