5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Social Security Disability Claim
Are you preparing to apply for Social Security disability benefits but wondering if there are mistakes to avoid?
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 discuss five mistakes to avoid in your Social Security disability claim.
1. Failing to Allege All of Your Severe Impairments
Including mental conditions on your application is crucial.
You should list every physical or mental condition that limits your ability to work—not just your most severe conditions.
2. Not Obtaining Treatment or Following Prescribed Plans
A lack of medical records documenting your conditions and showing that you are following treatment can sometimes weaken your claim.
Make sure you are actively seeing your doctors and following their prescribed treatment plans.
3. Not Checking Claim Status or Missing Appeal Deadlines
You must follow up regularly and meet strict deadlines for appeals—usually 60 days after a denial—to file that appeal in a timely fashion.
Failing to check the status of your claim can cause you to miss important updates.
4. Working Above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit
Earning over the substantial gainful activity limit of $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024, or working more than 20 hours a week, signals to the Social Security Administration that you may have the ability to work.
This can result in a denial of your claim.
5. Failing to Properly Prepare for Disability Hearings
Before an administrative law judge hearing, it’s important to be prepared.
You’ll want to be ready to discuss:
- Your work history
- Your conditions and daily limitations
- And have up-to-date medical evidence
Preparation is key to presenting a strong case.
Thanks so much for watching!
If you’re disabled and unable to work, we’re here to help. Click this scheduling link or call us directly to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and see how we can help you.
