8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for SSDI Benefits
Are you wondering if there are common mistakes made in SSDI applications—and if there are ways that you can avoid them?
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. In today’s video, I’m going to discuss some of the common mistakes that you may want to consider avoiding when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Mistake #1: Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
Be thorough and precise about your medical condition and work history. Double-check all details before you submit documents to Social Security.
One thing that I’ll often see people having difficulty with is providing dates of treatment with certain doctors or dates of employment. Both of those can be very important to a claim. It can sometimes be helpful for you—if you’re having difficulty remembering dates or other important information—to speak with a trusted family member, friend, or coworker who may be able to help you recall the specifics.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Impact of Your Disability
Focus on how your condition impacts your ability to function, your daily life, and your work ability. Be open and detailed about your symptoms and their resulting limitations anytime you’re corresponding with the Social Security Administration.
Mistake #3: Failing to Follow Prescribed Treatment
Adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan, as non-compliance can sometimes lead to application rejection if the agency doesn’t think that you are doing what you can to try to get better.
This isn’t to say, though, that you have to blindly follow your doctor’s advice. If you have questions about a particular path—especially if whether surgery is right for you—discuss those concerns with your recommending provider, and maybe even seek out a second opinion.
Mistake #4: Missing Deadlines
Keep track of all application and appeal deadlines. Late submissions—on either an application or paperwork that Social Security is requesting, or a late appeal—can sometimes result in a claim denial or a need for you to restart the whole process over again.
Mistake #5: Not Including All of Your Health Conditions
When applying for SSDI benefits, you want to list and describe all diagnosed conditions, including your mental health conditions, that have an impact on your ability to function.
This is because the Social Security Administration looks at the whole person in assessing whether someone is disabled, and multiple seemingly minor ailments can sometimes combine together to have a significant impact on your work ability.
Mistake #6: Applying Too Soon or Too Late
Timing can sometimes be a component of a successful application.
Applying before you stop working is likely going to result in a denial, and applying too long after you stop working may result in you leaving money on the table. You may want to consult with a professional about when the best time to apply is.
Mistake #7: Exaggerating Symptoms
Anytime you’re communicating with the Social Security Administration, be honest about your condition and the limitations that it causes.
The Social Security Administration will often compare your statements to the statements made by your doctors and other medical providers that are in the medical records. Exaggeration can harm your credibility and lead to a denial.
Mistake #8: Not Seeking Professional Help
You may want to consider working with an experienced Social Security disability attorney. Professional guidance can help to improve application accuracy and effectiveness.
While an attorney is not able to expedite the review of your application or appeal, an attorney can help to ensure that information is submitted to the Social Security Administration in a timely fashion—sometimes even before the agency requests it.
Thanks so much for watching!
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