It’s sad, but true – up to 85% of the approximately two million applications for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits get denied each year. However, there are ways to improve your chances of getting the benefits you need. The first step is to fill out your application correctly (see “10 Tips for Success When Applying for Social Security Disability”). Next, it’s important to avoid the five most common mistakes applicants make. Here are the “do’s and don’ts” for increasing your chances of success:  

  1. Don’t File Too Soon (or Wait too Long) 

To qualify for disability benefits your medical condition must be expected to last for a year or longer. If you apply for benefits too early (before an official diagnosis), it can make it difficult to demonstrate the long-term impact of your disability on your life. Make sure you have all the medical facts/documentation before applying. 

However, you do NOT need to wait to apply until after you have already been disabled for 12 months. You must only prove that your disability will last at least 12 months or is terminal. While filing too soon can be a problem, waiting too long will only delay receiving your benefits. The approval process can take months or even a year. 

  1. Don’t File While Employed 

There is no rule that states that you cannot file for disability benefits while you’re still working, but doing so significantly reduces your chances of approval. When you apply for benefits, you are essentially stating that you need financial assistance because you cannot earn an income. Being employed during the application process implies a lesser need for assistance and may lead to denial. 

  1. Do Consult with Your Own Doctor 

Don’t rely on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) examination to provide the necessary medical proof of your disability. The SSA’s exam is meant to corroborate medical information from your doctor and establish that your disability is both genuine and long-term. Submitting your application before gathering sufficient medical evidence can lead to a denial. Consult with your own doctor and make sure he or she is willing to support your claim. 

  1. Do Follow Doctor’s Orders 

Some applicants skip recommended medical treatments and follow-ups out of fear that their condition might improve, making them ineligible for benefits. However, SSA examiners consider the steps you’ve taken to improve your condition and may view the failure to follow a treatment plan as grounds for a denied claim.  

  1. Do Seek Legal Assistance for the Appeal Process 

If your initial Social Security Disability benefits application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision – and you should! You are three times more likely to succeed on your appeal if you work with a disability lawyer. And yet, many individuals make the mistake of forgoing legal representation during the appeals process, resulting in repeated denials. Working with a qualified attorney on a contingency basis ensures that you have adequate legal representation without upfront costs. Attorneys receive a percentage of the back pay owed to you, but only if they succeed in winning your appeal. 

To increase your chances of a successful appeal and obtaining the disability benefits you deserve, consider seeking legal assistance. If you’ve been denied Social Security disability benefits and are planning to appeal, call us toll-free at 855-614-4351 or use our online contact form for a free consultation, along with valuable information that can help you secure the benefits you need. We’re here to help.