Do you have to file a disability benefits claim? Are you looking for ways to ensure a flawless claim that secures financial assistance?
Winning disability benefits can be pretty challenging.
It’s typical for claimants without legal knowledge to have inaccuracies or errors in their initial application.
Those mistakes can delay the process or lead to denial.
Learning to recognize and dodge those missteps will ensure a smooth road to disability benefits.
In this article, a professional Indianapolis disability lawyer will share the top 6 mistakes people make when filing a Social Security disability claim.
6 Application Mistakes That Can Cost You Your Benefits
Let’s dive into the 6 costly mistakes applicants make when filing a disability claim:
Failing To Fill All The Forms
When applying for Social Security disability benefits, you’ll have to fill out a great deal of forms.
Those forms will ask you personal, work-related, and disability-related questions.
Some questions might seem redundant or non-important. Still, it’s crucial you take your time and complete all the forms.
Can not replying to a question disqualify my claim?
Yes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes the application process very seriously.
You’d be amazed at how many claimants face rejection just due to a small technicality in their applications.
Not Providing Enough Information
During the application process, you must provide relevant information about your work history, health condition, and physical or mental limitations.
The SSA’s employees will review that info to decide if you are eligible for disability benefits.
Failing to submit solid evidence of your impairment and how it affects your work ability is a straight path to denial.
Gathering medical records and supporting evidence can be challenging. However, you must do your homework and provide pertinent documentation that supports your claim and helps you win the case.
Inaccurate or Incorrect Information
Another mistake many claimants make is providing incorrect information.
The statements on your application must be backed up by documentation and medical evidence.
Each piece of information you provide in your claim must be factual and accurate.
Bear in mind that the SSA will verify everything you declare on your claim. They’ll check your work history, previous health conditions, and medical documentation.
Incorrect or false information will only delay the process or grant you a denial.
Minimizing or Exaggerating The Extent of Your Disability
Exaggerating the severity of your impairment won’t lead to anything good.
Remember that the SSA will review the medical evidence and confirm the degree of your disability. Claimants who exaggerate or lie about their health condition and how it impacts their lives will be disqualified.
However, you shouldn’t tone down your disability, either.
Minimizing your disability symptoms will suggest that your condition is not critical and that you can still perform your work. This will put you out of the race.
Be meticulous about how your impairments negatively affect your daily life and ability to work. Give specific details and examples to showcase its severity level.
Missing A Deadline
The SSA receives hundreds of thousands of applications every year.
With the elevated number of claims, things are already moving slowly enough. Imagine if most of those claimants forgot about deadlines and delayed the process further. Things would quickly become chaos.
The SSA takes deadlines very seriously. Is it serious enough to reject a claim just because a deadline was missed? Yes.
Between medical appointments, rehabilitation, and the stress of being unable to work, you might be under a lot of pressure. That would lead anyone to lose track of things and overlook dates.
Keep track of important dates, add them to your calendar, or schedule alarms to avoid forgetting them.
Assuming You Don’t Need Legal Assistance
SSDI and SSI claims are complex, lengthy, and stringent.
Although you can file a claim online or at your nearest Social Security office, having a professional lawyer to do it for you can be highly beneficial.
An attorney will file the claim, review your case, gather and organize medical evidence, and provide legal advice.
Furthermore, disability attorneys know how the process works and will use their experience to enhance your case. Claimants who work with a professional lawyer have a 3 times higher chance of winning disability benefits.
Other Common Mistakes During The SSDI Process
Beyond the application step, there are other common mistakes claimants make during the process that can hurt their case:
Failing To Stick To Your Medical Treatment
When a claimant stops seeing their doctor or quits the medical treatment or rehabilitation, that’s a negative point on their claim.
Not seeking medical assistance or stopping the treatment signals the SSA that your impairment is not severe and you can do without disability benefits.
Additionally, the SSA favors individuals who put an effort into recovery and return to work.
Giving Up Too Early In The Process
About 70% of Social Security disability claims face rejection in the initial instance.
Getting denial can be harsh, especially if you were counting on financial assistance to navigate these challenging times.
But the battle is not lost yet. A mistake many claimants make is giving up.
After first denial, you have the option to request a reconsideration or file an appeal. Many cases are won in those instances.
Rambling At Your Appeal Hearing
An appeal involves presenting your case before an Administrative Law Judge.
This is your chance to defend your case and prove you deserve disability benefits; don’t waste it.
Be ready to provide specific details and examples if necessary. Avoid going off-topic and sharing unnecessary or irrelevant information.
Filing A Successful Disability Benefits Claim
Be aware of these common mistakes to avoid hindering or delaying your case.
Focus on gathering enough medical evidence, providing the necessary information, not missing deadlines, and building a strong and accurate case.
Not sure if you are filing your claim right? Don’t hesitate to contact a disability law firm. A seasoned attorney will use their knowledge and experience to build a bulletproof case and help you secure disability benefits.
