The most commonly cited reason for people to have their Social Security disability applications denied is from errors on their paperwork. Avoiding these often simple mistakes can, therefore, dramatically increase your chances of having your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) accepted. Watch out for these five types of paperwork errors that can lead to disability denials:
- Incorrect personal information
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- One shockingly common issue that leads to disability denials is incorrect personal information, including from misspellings or other errors. It seems like one of those things that should be easy to get right, but it is because it is so simple that people often overlook it as a source of error. Taking the time to carefully review your documents to ensure your information is correct can avoid these small but potentially serious mistakes.
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- Blank or missing forms
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- Your application for SSDI or SSI benefits should be filled out as completely as you can before submitting it. If you fail to fill out required information, or if you fail to submit a complete application, you may be denied before someone even looks at your application. If you want to avoid being one of the millions of disability denials every year, make sure your application has everything you need.
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- Lack of medical evidence
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- In order to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you need to be able to explain your specific medical issues and why they prevent you from being able to work. This may include documentation from your doctor or other specialists showing efforts to treat your condition, or any information related to a relevant worker’s comp claim. WIthout this information, your application may be denied due to failing to explain the need for disability benefits.
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- Lack of financial records
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- Both SSDI and SSI have their own financial requirements to be eligible for benefits. In the case of SSDI, you need to show you have accumulated a certain number of work credits through gainful employment, while SSI requires showing you do not make more than a certain amount of income or possess more than a certain amount of assets. You need to make sure your application has the right information for you to be able to obtain your relevant benefits.
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- Failing to return follow-up calls
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- Disability denials are rarely automatic, and the Social Security Administration may try to get in contact with you to fix any mistakes you made on your application. If you fail to return these calls or other messages, however, your application may be thrown out. That is why you should always make sure to follow-up with any calls you receive, which can give you another chance at getting the benefits you deserve.
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.
