Four Things to Avoid if You Are Receiving SSDI or SSI Benefits

If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits, here are four things you should not do. My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today, we’re going to talk about four things you should not do if you are currently receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Don’t Stop Getting Medical Treatment

Number one, I tell all of my clients this, don’t stop getting medical treatment! You should have either Medicare or Medicaid if you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits, take advantage of that. Social Security will sometimes pull cases for what’s called a “continuing disability review,” and you’ll need medical evidence showing that your condition has not improved since they approved your disability case.

Don’t Disobey Your Doctors

Number two, do not do things that your doctor has advised you not to do. Again, Social Security does sometimes conduct continuing disability reviews and they do sometimes use surveillance, don’t give them a reason to go after you for fraud. Listen to your doctors and heed their advice.

Don’t Ignore SSA

Number three, don’t ignore letters from the Social Security Administration. Again, going back to continuing disability reviews, Social Security sometimes needs updated information from you, be sure to provide it in a timely manner. If you find out that Social Security is conducting a continuing disability review on your file, don’t freak out, just respond, let them know if your condition hasn’t improved (provided it hasn’t!) and let SSA know where they can pull updated medical records. A continuing disability review should not be a reason to stress; just make sure you still have the medical treatment ongoing and that you are continuing to heed what your doctors are telling you and not acting out in a way that is inconsistent with your condition, your treatment, and what you’ve told Social Security.

Don’t Be Dishonest with SSA

Finally, number four, don’t ever be dishonest with the Social Security Administration, it’s not worth running the risk of a fraud claim against you. Thanks so much for watching.

Social Security Lawyer

If you’re disabled and unable to work, click the scheduling link here or give us a call directly for a free consultation to see what I can do to help you.