Every year, millions of people apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. However, a shocking number of applicants get denied for simple paperwork errors, which might be avoided with due care. Here are five common mistakes you should avoid on your paperwork when applying for SSDI or SSI:
- Failing to fill out all necessary forms
- This may seem obvious, but one of the most important parts of applying for SSDI/SSI is making sure your application includes all necessary forms, which must be completely filled out. No matter how severe your disability is or how qualified you might be, an incomplete application will be thrown out before it is even considered. That is why you should make sure your paperwork is complete and fully filled out before you submit it.
- Submitting incorrect numbers, dates, or addresses
- In addition to being completely filled out, you should make sure all the information on your application is correct. This means all necessary information, such as ID numbers, code numbers, addresses and dates should all be accurate. Double check your paperwork before you submit it, or your application could be denied due to incorrect information.
- Failing to submit accurate and complete medical records
- An important part of applying for SSDI or SSI benefits is ensuring your medical records adequately explain your disability. This means your records should be accurate and complete. If there is any incorrect information, or anything is missing on your paperwork, you may find your application is denied.
- Failing to submit accurate and complete employment records
- As part of your application, you also must submit certain employment records to show that you qualify for SSDI or SSI. This information must also be accurate and complete. If it is missing any critical data, or the information on your paperwork is incorrect in some way, your application could be thrown out.
- Submitting incorrect or incomplete financial information
- Finally, you will also need to submit accurate and complete financial information as part of your SSDI/SSI application. This will help the Social Security Administration ensure you are qualified for disability benefits. If you are unsure what sort of information you might need for your application, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling disability applications. They can help you fill out your paperwork, and advocate on your behalf if any issues arise.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.