Five Ways to Avoid Social Security Disability Denial
Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are Federal programs that can help those dealing with a loss of income because of a disability. The application process for these disability benefits involve submitting detailed records to establish your medical condition; and proving that this condition is affecting your ability to perform your regular work schedule. While it sounds straightforward, the Social Security Disability benefits do not become effective unless the Disability Determination Services accepts the applicants argument.
There are a high percentage of applicants who find their applications denied. For someone struggling with a disability and dealing with the stress of a loss of income it can be baffling to have their legitimate claims denied. The application process is made easier if you understand some of the key mistakes that are often made, which result in the applicant being turned down.
Here are the five categories in which many applicants tend to slip, which leads to their Social Security Disability claims being denied.
Inadequate Disability Information– The crux of the application and supporting reports is to establish your disability and your inability to perform work at your full potential. To this end it is important that you include all the details of your disability to help the claim adjudicator have a clear understanding of your problem. It is vital to offer a comprehensive picture of the physical injuries and related mental stress that may be interfering with your ability to work. Making assumptions that a Disability Determination Services representative will be able to figure out the extent of your difficulties is not recomended. It is better to include excessive information rather than inadequate information.
Incomplete Medical Records– It is very important to substantiate your Social Security Disability application with thorough medical records. Detailed information about the doctors who have treated you; the hospitals and clinics where you have received treatment; the medical tests that you have undergone; and the medicines that you have been prescribed are all critical to establishing your medical history. This is a sure way of tracking the worsening of your disability and a way of establishing its current severity. Make sure that you include legitimate contact information wherever possible to make it easy for the Social Security Disability adjudicators to verify your information.
Incorrect Contact Information– As part of your basic application you will include your address and phone number. If you change telephones or any of the other contact information, it is your responsibility to update this information with the Social Security Administration. It will not be in your best interest if the official personnel are unable to reach any of the people listed in your application package, such as your doctors or medical consultants. It will also be counter-productive to fill in doubtful contact information because if there is reason for them to doubt any information on your application, they are likely to judge your whole application as being unreliable.
Improper Document Support– Tax documents and other forms establishing work history are critical to establish your claims for Social Security Disability. The insurance is directly connected to your history of having worked in jobs with Social Security coverage. Make sure to include all documents that can support your work history and establish your credentials for receiving Social Security Disability Insurance.
Infrequent Follow-ups– It is true that Social Security Disability application can be a long process and it is important to be patient. However, it is important to track your application, ensuring that you have provided all the information needed. It is critical to show up at scheduled hearings and to offer supplemental information should it be relevant. You must be pro-active in establishing your claim’s legitimacy and appropriateness.
If you can watch out for these five types of mistakes, you chances of success will increase dramatically. It is worth considering hiring a Social Security Disability attorney or getting a professional representative who understands the process inside out. Somebody who understands the details of the SSD application process can help you avoid the pitfalls and can make it more stream-lined.
If despite all your effort, the claim is denied you still have the option of a three step appeals process. So, at each step of the way make sure that you do not forget any of these essential details and you will find that you are reducing the chances of denial.
