Seven Common Mistakes that Could Impact Your Social Security Disability Claim
When you suffer disabilities which keep you from working, Social Security disability benefits can be a lifeline. While these benefits can help you support yourself and your loved ones, getting your claim approved can be a challenge. The following outlines seven common mistakes people often make when filing disability claims, which can result in your SSDI benefits being denied or delayed.
Avoid SSDI Denials and Delays
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can provide you with income when chronic health conditions or accidental injuries leave you suffering long term disabilities. Unfortunately, filing an SSDI benefit claim is a complex and confusing process. It is easy to make mistakes that could result in your benefits being denied or delayed. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that this happens in nearly two thirds of the claims that are filed each year. To prevent this from occurring in your case, the following are seven common mistakes to avoid:
- Not getting medical care for your condition.
Physical or mental health conditions must be documented by a doctor before you can become eligible for SSDI benefits. From the moment you begin experiencing symptoms, it is important to get the appropriate diagnostic testing, treatment, and follow up care.
- Not following your doctor’s instructions.
During treatment, your doctor will likely recommend certain tests, procedures, medications, and activity restrictions. Failing to follow any of these recommendations could result in your disability claim being denied.
- Continuing to work or collecting unemployment.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must suffer a long term physical or mental health condition that keeps you from working and has lasted or is expected to last for a year or more. If you are still working or receive unemployment benefits, you are ineligible.
- Failing to provide the needed information when filing your Social Security disability claim.
Not providing the proper information on your application or the appropriate documentation of your disability are leading causes of claim denials and delays.
- Not checking the status of your claim or failing to respond to correspondence from the SSA.
Open any correspondence you receive from the SSA immediately and respond promptly. Failing to do so could cause you to miss important deadlines.
- Ignoring deadlines for filing an SSD claims appeal.
If your disability benefits are denied, you need to speak with a Social Security disability attorney right away. Denials are common and can be overcome, but you only have a limited time for filing an appeal.
- Not having an experienced Social Security disability attorney on your side.
Having an experienced Florida Social Security disability attorney on your side from the beginning can avoid denials or delays. It can also ensure your claim is resolved in the quickest and most effective manner possible.
Let Us Help You Today
At Farrell Disability Law, we provide the trusted legal guidance you need throughout the disability claims process. Let us help you get the benefits you are entitled to. Call or contact our Jacksonville Social Security disability attorney online and request a consultation in our office today.
Resources:
ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2011/sect04.html
ssa.gov/planners/disability/qualify.html