Avoiding the Common Mistakes When Applying for SSDI
The application for social security disability benefits is complicated and, if not filled out properly, will lead to a rejection. That means going through an appeals process, which is more complex and will delay your benefits. Your initial application should be done by a social security disability lawyer, with your input, to make sure you avoid the following mistakes.
Income Reporting Mistakes
If you report too much income, or fail to report income that should be included, you'll be rejected. Your attorney will gather all of the income information from you and make sure just the right items are included on the application. For example, income you receive from doing contract labor must be reported, but gifts from friends and family do not have to be.
Length of Disability Reporting Mistakes
The SSDI benefits are available to those people who have a disability that keeps them from working for 12 months or longer. The length of your recovery is determined from your application and the supporting documentation provided by your doctors. Your lawyer will work with the doctors to make sure the wording of their reports support your claim. The reports must make it clear that you can't go back to work before a year has passed.
Medical History Reporting Mistakes
Your application can be rejected if you fail to report all pertinent medical history and treatment. This is another section of the application that the attorney needs to make sure is accurate. For example, if your disability is due to a broken arm and you failed to report having been treated for dizziness, your claim may be denied.
Failure to Get Treatment
For any reason, if you fail to follow up on your doctor's recommended treatment options, you can be denied benefits. The reason you did not get the prescribed treatment could be because of cost or inability to get to a treatment center. Your attorney will get supporting documentation from you and the doctors stating that getting the treatment would've been a hardship. This must be clear in your initial application to avoid being rejected.
Rejection Due to Technical Rationale
This is a major reason for using a social security disability lawyer. The social security administration maintains documentation on the physical and mental requirements for specific jobs. If the reviewers deem that your disability doesn't prohibit you from doing your current job, your application can be rejected. A lawyer like Law Offices Of Russell J. Goldsmith knows how to complete all of the sections of the application to show how your injury does keep you from doing your job.