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3 BIG MISTAKES WHEN APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

1.  WAITING TOO LONG TO APPLY:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) only covers you for a limited time after you stop working. If you haven't worked in the last 5 years, you may have waited too long to file a new SSDI claim. Talk to a disability attorney or the local Social Security office to find out.

2.  GIVING UP.

About 7 out of 10 applications for disability are denied.  Being denied doesn't mean you are not qualified for benefits, it means the system has failed you.  Many of these denials are in error and can be won with an appeal.  Never accept a denied claim as the end of the line.  Your best chance still lies ahead--in the appeals system. Contact an experienced attorney/advocate and file a written appeal. You will need to file the following forms:

  1. A Request for Reconsideration form (Form SSA-561) if this is the first appeal; or Request for Hearing form (Form SSA-501) if this is your second appeal on this claim.
  2. A Disability Report – Appeal -- form (Form SSA-3441)
  3. An Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration form (Form SSA-827)

 

3.  REFUSING HELP.

No one can be an expert at everything.  Fortunately, there are professionals trained in Social Security disability who can help with your denied claim.   These experts can help you obtain additional medical and/or vocational evidence, determine if you can meet a Listing or grid rule, and represent you before an administrative law judge.  Only an authorized representative with the Social Security Administration can guide you through the appeal process.

If you have dependent children, each of them may receive a Social Security benefit to help them. Do the right thing and call for help with a FREE disability consultation.

_________

Charles W. Forsythe, The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL.  Call (256) 799-0297 for a free consultation with no obligation.

 

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