If you are looking to apply for Social Security disability benefits, getting your application right can make the difference between getting the benefits you deserve and getting rejected outright. However, as many as half of all applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Make sure to avoid these five mistakes if you want to maximize the odds of your disability application being accepted:
- Failing to understand income or disability requirements
- One of the biggest reasons that people are rejected for SSDI or SSI benefits is that they do not understand the qualifications to be able to apply for them. In order to obtain those benefits, you must have a disability that prevents you from engaging in gainful employment, and you must either have a sufficient number of work credits (for SSDI) or must fall below a certain income (for SSI). If you do not meet these qualifications, your disability application will be denied.
- Failing to submit adequate medical evidence
- Another major reason that people are rejected for SSDI or SSI benefits is they fail to submit adequate medical evidence to back up their claims. This medical evidence primarily comes from your doctor or doctors, and is meant to support your claims about the nature and severity of your disability. If you do not supply this information, or it is lacking in some way, your disability application may be denied.
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate employment records
- Another important piece of evidence you will need to submit relates to your employment history. You need to submit tax forms related to your employment in the previous year, whether you are an employee, an independent contractor, or self-employed. Without these records, it may not be possible to verify whether you meet the economic qualifications for SSDI or SSI, resulting in your disability application being denied.
- Failing to respond to follow-up calls
- If there is any kind of issue with your disability application, an agent from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will typically try to get in contact with you to see if it can be corrected. However, if you fail to respond to that follow-up in a timely fashion, they may throw out your application outright. That is why if you are contacted by the SSA, you should respond as soon as you can.
- Trying to do everything yourself
- Filing a disability application for SSDI or SSI benefits can be far more complicated than most people realize, but fortunately they do not need to do it alone. The guidance of a lawyer experienced with handling SSDI and SSI claims can help to ensure you have the best chance possible at success. That is why you should call as soon as possible so they can get started on your case.
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.
