Avoid These 5 Errors When Applying for SSDI Benefits
Complicated regulations and procedures make navigating the Social Security disability system a challenging and frustrating endeavor. Fewer than one-third of the applications seeking benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance program are approved in the initial review process.
Many factors contribute to this high rate of benefit denials, including applicants with work records that are not long or recent enough to meet eligibility rules or those who lack medical documentation to prove their claimed disability. Some of the common SSDI mistakes can be avoided.
American Disability Action Group provides trusted advice and representation about the disability benefits process to individuals throughout the country, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana. Here are five common SSDI mistakes people make when applying for benefits, along with SSDI filing tips to help you avoid them.
Mistake #1: Losing Benefits By Waiting Too Long To Apply For SSDI
When they learn the SSDI program has a five-month waiting period, some people wait before submitting their application for disability benefits. It’s one of the common Social Security disability errors and could cause you to lose benefits.
The waiting period determines when you can start receiving monthly disability payments. SSDI benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your disability began, as determined by the Social Security Administration upon review of your application. Apply for SSDI benefits as soon as a healthcare provider confirms the existence of a medical condition that prevents you from working.
Delaying the submission of an application for benefits could result in a loss of benefits. Social Security pays retroactive benefits for the 12 months prior to the date you applied for SSDI, so establish the application date as soon as possible.
Mistake #2: Submitting An Inaccurate Or Incomplete Application
When Social Security receives an incomplete application or one that contains errors and mistakes, it interrupts the review process. The result could be a delay as Social Security seeks additional information from the claimant, or it could cause the claim to be denied.
You can avoid delays and the risk of a denied claim by taking the time to ensure the application you submit contains accurate information and is supported by medical records and other documentation. Use the checklist available from the Social Security Administration to gather everything you’ll need before you begin to avoid SSDI denial for an incomplete or inaccurate application.
Mistake #3: Reporting Only The Most Severe Medical Condition
A combination of medical conditions may cause a disability that prevents you from working. For example, the severe and constant pain from a physical injury that you list as the cause of a disability may result in mental health impairments, such as depression, that may contribute to your being unable to work.
Include in your application all physical and mental impairments that can be documented through medical records. This also means that you must bring these other conditions to the attention of your healthcare providers to ensure there is a diagnosis included in your medical records.
Mistake #4: Failing To Follow Prescribed Treatment Plans
If your healthcare providers prescribe medication or other forms of treatment that could restore your ability to work, you must follow the treatment plan. Failure to do so may result in a finding that you are not disabled, and the claim for SSDI will be denied.
There may be acceptable reasons for not following a prescribed course of treatment, including:
- The prescribed treatment violates your religious beliefs.
- The recommended surgical procedure had previously been performed without a successful result.
- The treatment, such as open heart surgery or an organ transplant, poses an extreme risk to you.
- A treatment involves amputation of an extremity.
Medical records showing that you keep appointments with healthcare providers and follow prescribed treatment plans reduce the risk of a claim denial.
Mistake #5: Giving Up After An Initial Denial Of Benefits
If the initial application review process results in a denial of benefits, it’s okay to feel disappointed as long as you don’t give up. You have the right to challenge the unfavorable decision through an appeal process that includes the following levels:
- Request for reconsideration
- Administrative law judge hearing
- Appeals Council review
- Federal court review
Each level of the appeal process provides an opportunity to be approved for benefits.
Get Outstanding Advice And Representation With Your SSDI Claim
Attempting to overcome complex regulations and frustrating procedures of the Social Security Disability application process is a mistake. You can avoid it by contacting the disability attorneys at American Disability Action Group for trusted advice and experienced representation.
If you live in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and throughout the nation, our disability professionals are ready to help with your initial application for SSDI or to appeal a denial of benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation.