The Most Common Disability Application Mistakes One Need to Avoid
The Social Security Disability Benefits application is challenging and complex. Delays are expected. Worse, the majority of applications are denied. There are various reasons for the denial of the applications. For example, a large part of denial is due to minor mistakes by the disability applicant. Many applicants do not provide enough information or fail to explain in detail the nature of the condition and the impact on the applicants everyday life and ability to work.
Regardless of how long you have suffered a disabling condition, the application process is the only way to access the benefits you deserve. It may be time consuming, and at times frustrating, but don’t hesitate to explore your eligibility and keep the following points in mind while applying.
Increase The Chances By Keeping These Points In Mind
To increase the chances of successful applications, here are some of the most common disability application mistakes to avoid:
- Wrong timing
Wrong timing is one the most common disability application denial reasons. Primarily, this occurs when someone applies for disability benefits while they are still employed.
This puts applicants in a Catch-22. On one hand, they need to work to continue to support themselves and pay their medical bills. On the other hand, it is hard to claim an inability to work while you are currently working. While this does present a very real dilemma for applicants, most are better off waiting to apply when they are no longer working.
- Applying too Frequently
Applying at the wrong time also leads to a need to file your application again. However, applying too Frequently can even lead to further application denial. According to the SSA, many applications get denied every year. Generally, an applicant must show the existence of a disability for at least twelve months. Hence when you apply too often, it becomes difficult to prove that you are suffering from a disability condition for an extended period.
We recommend you wait until you have substantial medical evidence to confirm that your disability will last for twelve months. Otherwise, your application may be rejected by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Insufficient medical reports
If you or your treating doctors cannot provide sufficient medical reports to prove your disability, it is very difficult to get approval. In such situations, SSA may request a consultative exam to determine the severity of your disability. The results of the consultative exam may require the support of medical reports and statements from your previous treating physicians.
Moreover, it would help if you obeyed the follow-up treatments prescribed by your doctor. While reviewing your application, your treatment history will be taken into consideration. Gaps in follow-up treatments will undermine your claim and even lead to rejection.
Failing to Check the Status of Your Claim Regularly
It is recommended to check the status of your application regularly to catch any mistakes and to see whether it is accepted or denied. Sometimes, Social Security offices fail to notify you of important occurrences in your application. You can get general updates on your application by periodically connecting with your local Social Security office.
- Looking for unemployment benefits
Many Social Security applicants are experiencing financial hardships. Unemployment may seem like a good option for some of these individuals. However it is important to know that applying for unemployment while simultaneously applying for Social Security may hurt your chances of receiving disability benefits.
- Skipping the deadlines
The deadlines for the Social Security programs are set by statute and administrative regulation. They are concrete and you are required to abide by them. Even a single day can result in a denial.
Has your application been denied? You have 60 days from the date of denial to file a notice to request an appeal. If you fail to ask for the appeal before the deadline, you will have to start the whole process from the beginning.
Due to the lengthy and complicated application process, beneficiaries generally lose hope. But avoiding these common mistakes under an expert’s guidance improves the chances of application approval, and you can successfully claim the amount you deserve.
You may take help from a disability lawyer to succeed in getting the disability benefits you deserve. We will assist you even if you face rejection in a previous attempt and want to reapply.