If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, then you need financial support to make ends meet. Social Security Disability benefits might provide you with the relief that you need, but the government isn’t going to seek you out to fork over the compensation that you need. Instead, you’re going to have to be proactive in pursuing a disability claim that convinces the government that you qualify for these benefits.
That might sound straightforward, but the process is oftentimes more complicated than it seems. This is because every condition has its own analysis, thereby making every case unique. If you want to maximize your chances of recovering the benefits that you need, then you have to know how to navigate the process without making some of the most common mistakes.
Common mistakes to avoid in your Social Security Disability case
As a disability claimant, there are a lot of mistakes that you can make, any one of which can jeopardize your claim and your ability to secure the benefits that you need. Here are some of the most commonly made mistakes that you’ll want to be on the lookout for:
- Inadequate medical records: When you submit your claim, you’ll want to ensure it’s supported by strong medical evidence that speaks to the disability requirements that are unique to your condition. If the medical evidence you submit is inadequate or otherwise incomplete, then your claim will be denied for failing to meet the identified requirements for your condition.
- Inadequate employment records: In order to qualify for disability benefits, you’ll also have to demonstrate that you have a sufficient work history. Paystubs and W-2s can be helpful here to demonstrate that you have the right amount of work history to support your claim.
- Delay: You should be awarded SSD benefits if your condition renders you unable to work and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. But if you wait to file your claim, then you might lose out on much needed benefits and your condition might improve to the point that you no longer meet certain requirements, which means your claim could be denied altogether. Or you might simply miss your filing deadline.
- Not following doctor recommendations: If you don’t follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment, then you might not have the medical record you need to justify your disability claim. This could result in claim denial. Additionally, if the government needs more information about your condition to make a determination, it might ask for an independent evaluation. If you fail to abide by that request, then you’ll see your claim denied.
- Continuing to work: Remember, your disability claim is arguing that your medical condition is so severe that it prevents you from working. So, if you continue to force yourself to work full-time pending the outcome of your claim, then you’re bound to be denied the benefits you need.
- Failing to switch doctors: If your doctor doesn’t support your disability claim, then you should consider changing your medical provider. After all, you’re going to be hard-pressed to argue that you deserve disability benefits when your own doctor doesn’t agree with you.
Know how to competently navigate your disability claim
You need SSD benefits so that you can have the financial stability you deserve while giving yourself time to focus on your health. But you can’t assume that everything will go as planned when pursuing a disability claim. Instead, you’ll want to plan for every contingency so that you can maximize your chances of success. To do that, be sure to read up on the disability claims process and what you can do to better prepare yourself for the road ahead.