11 Tips for Getting Social Security Disability Benefits
Getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits is no cakewalk.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very strict guidelines and winning approval can take months or, in some cases, even longer. It’s not uncommon for applicants to go through multiple steps of an appeals process before finally getting a thumbs up.
The experienced staff and attorneys at McDonald Law Firm have successfully handled thousands of Social Security Disability claims. We know the ropes. Here’s 11 tips for getting Social Security Disability benefits:
Start now.
Don’t wait until you are in dire financial straits to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Success is based on your medical condition and your inability to work, not on the balance of your bank account. Applications can take months to process so it’s best to start sooner, rather than later.
Identify all medical conditions in your Disability application.
It’s imperative to include each and every one of your ailments in the application, no matter how seemingly insignificant. This is important because the Social Security Administration may consider a combination of conditions when determining whether you are disabled. Let’s say you are suffering from a debilitating back injury which has left you immobile and, in turn, extremely depressed. A back injury and depression by themselves may not qualify as disabled, but together they could put you over the top. When in doubt, put it down.
Maintain all medical information and records.
When it comes to medical information, more is the name of the game. The more medical evidence, the stronger the claim. The Social Security Administration will obtain your medical records during the initial application stage, but they almost never get a complete set. That’s why it’s important to always have a comprehensive compilation of documents readily available. They should include all doctors’ notes, emergency room visits, hospital admissions, blood work, diagnostic tests, receipts for prescriptions, etc.
Keep a daily journal.
Write daily in a journal or notebook, detailing your pain and any side effects caused by your treatments and medications. Include how your condition impacts your daily life and your ability to work. Write down everything you can no longer do, such as walking, standing, cooking, sitting for long periods, remembering or concentrating. This detailed information will be extremely beneficial if you have to testify at an appeals hearing and it could help tip the scales in your favor.
Involve your doctors.
Doctors and their opinions can have a significant impact on your Social Security Disability claim. Be sure to tell your doctors that you are applying for Disability benefits and ask them to promptly respond to requests for information and documentation about your condition from the Social Security Administration or your lawyer. Ask your doctor to write a letter of support or fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form, detailing the physical or psychological limitations caused by your condition and how it impacts your ability to work and carry out daily activities.
Follow doctors’ orders ― and take your meds.
Many claims are denied because applicants stop seeing their doctors and taking their medication. Disability claims examiners and Administrative Law Judges may wrongly assume that, since you are not taking your medications, your condition must not be that bad. The reality is that you probably aren’t taking it for financial reasons. Still, stopping treatment can hurt your case.
If denied, file an appeal ― quickly.
It is not uncommon for the Social Security Administration to deny a claim at the initial application stage ― or in a subsequent stage thereafter. In fact, it happens more often than not. It’s important to prepare yourself for the possibility of a denial letter and to plan on appealing. The odds of winning benefits actually improve when you appeal a denied disability claim. You can’t drag your feet though. You must file an appeal within 60 days of receiving a denial letter. If you don’t, you may have to start the whole process over.
Stay on top of your case.
Contact your local Social Security Office or your attorney regularly to make sure there are no hiccups with your claim. Also, it’s important to remember that the SSA sends notices about its decisions in the mail. Check your mail regularly and, by all means, notify people working on your case if you move. You don’t want to miss any deadlines.
Tell the truth.
Do not exaggerate your condition, making it appear worse than it is. Be truthful on your initial application and every step of the way. If at some point you have to testify during a Disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, don’t try and figure out what answer will help or hurt your case. Be candid and honest. The best way to lose your case is to get caught in a lie.
Get an experienced Disability attorney.
Navigating the system can be tricky. It’s complicated and one misstep can result in a denied Disability claim. It’s best to seek professional legal help. Not only will hiring an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer increase your chances of winning, it will reduce your stress level.
At McDonald Law Firm, our Disability team handles all aspects of the Disability process, including:
- Accurately and thoroughly filling out all paperwork, including providing complex medical information and listing all of your medical providers.
- Electronically submitting a solid, convincing application.
- Following up to make sure your claim was processed quickly and fairly.
- Handling any appeals and, if necessary, representing you at a Disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
- Not charging anything up-front. Our fees are set by the federal government and are contingent upon us winning you benefits.
Never give up.
Getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits takes patience and persistence. The process can be long and frustrating, but the worst thing you can do is quit. Keep your head up, keep seeing your doctor and, if necessary, keep appealing.
