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6 THINGS THAT KILL YOUR DISABILITY APPLICATION RIGHT FROM THE START

You  probably have heard that Social Security can be difficult when it comes to disability benefits.  The application for SSDI is fairly complicated and making one of the following mistakes can doom your application from the very start:

Failing to Fill Out All the Forms—The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a lot of forms to fill out. It’s up to you to make sure that you fill out every part of those forms correctly. Every question is there for a reason.  Don't leave anything blank. Forms that often get neglected are the Function Report and Work History Report--both very important. 

Writing Illegibly—  Check your handwriting.  If your handwriting isn't clear, your case worker won't be able to read your application.  Print your answers clearly, or if possible type out your answers.
 
 Incorrect or Incomplete Information -  Make sure to list ALL doctors, clinics, hospitals, counselors and other medical providers.  Give complete names of doctors and complete mailing addresses, right down to the zip code. Try to provide estimated dates of first/last contact with each medical provider.  The application will ask:  When did you first see this provider?  When did you most recently see this provider.  If you fail to list any doctor or provider, Social Security will know to contact them.  Make sure you spell everything correctly and have the proper information for every question (including dates, addresses, names, etc.).

 
Missing the Deadline—You must reply to most forms sent by the SSA within 10 days. That gives you little time to answer everything. If you need more time, then you have to contact the SSA immediately and ask for an extension.
 
Contradiction—If you say something in the first part of your application and then contradict yourself in a later section, the SSA may deny your disability application. Make sure you have your facts straight before you make conflicting statements. Example:  "I can stand no longer than 15 minutes due to leg pain."  Later, you say "Deer hunting is one of my favorite pass times."
 
 Rejecting Help— According to US government studies, you have a 31 percent chance of being approved without a lawyer or professional representative.  You have a 60 percent chance of success if you use a lawyer or professional advocate.  
 
Without a lawyer     3 out of 10 claimants can expect to be approved
 
With a lawyer            6 out of 10 claimants can expect to be approved *

*Source:  General Accounting Office, United States Government, study performed 2017.
 



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