Getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits can be a difficult process. With that, a large portion of those who apply initially get denied by the Social Security Administration.
To help increase your odds of getting approved for disability benefits, here are 3 common mistakes people make that could risk their chances of having a claim accepted, and how to avoid them.
1. Still working a full time job while applying
You can still maintain a part-time job and receive disability benefits, however as soon as you earn over a specific amount of money monthly (this can change from time to time), you can no longer qualify.
The point of disability benefits is to provide financial help to those who need support to take care of themselves as well as their families while they are no longer able to work due to a medical issue.
If you can still work a full time job, that contradicts your case claiming you are unable to work so it’s important to know just how much you can earn before applying for benefits. You can find the most up to date amount of allowable monthly earnings by contacting the Social Security Administration.
Overall, you can still work a part-time job and receive benefits, again just make sure you do not cross the monthly earnings threshold dictated by the Social Security Administration.
2. Not seeing a doctor for your medical issue before applying
If you have not seen a doctor for your medical issue before you apply for disability benefits, it can be hard to convince the Social Security Administration that your condition is serious enough to warrant benefits in the first place.
In addition to this, if you are not taking medication or receiving medical treatment for your condition, Social Security won’t know whether your condition could quickly improve with the proper medical treatment, allowing you to go back to work.
Ultimately, you must be able to prove that your condition prevents you from working and having medical evidence will support your claim. Ideally, you’ll want to have seen a doctor within the last 12 months before applying for benefits.
3. Applying for benefits on your own
With so many applications getting initially denied by the Social Security Administration, it can be difficult to get approved on your own. This is even more true for those who have never applied before which is the case for most applicants.
By hiring an experienced lawyer or legal representative, you have a 300% higher chance of benefits approval as well as an increased chance of receiving more benefits monthly. This means the right legal support can help you maximize the compensation you end up receiving.
On top of that, you can actually hire an experienced lawyer on contingency. This means you only pay if the lawyer is successful with your claim and you get approved for benefits.
Retaining an experienced lawyer actually gets even more important if your initial claim is denied after applying on your own.
A good disability lawyer has the experience you need to navigate the Social Security Disability process and increases your chances of getting approved. They will also be able to spot any accidental mistakes made on behalf of the Social Security Administration which can happen from time to time.
We hope this article was helpful and will help you receive the benefits you deserve.
Thank you for your info. Really usefull.
Thank you very much for your help I’m sure this will benefit me more than not knowing .
Sincerely MIKE Whaley
Well yes I’m only part time but work hrs that r entended by what my work requires it I work less hrs I don’t get health benefits to pay for my medications and Dr bills and with Covid19 out now going to a Dr is impossible which I will when it’s over
Thanks also for everything
I’ve been denied twice but i can’t work
Thanks still holding on
Hi Stephanie, We are sorry to hear that. Have you considered applying with the help of legal assistance? Please use the following link to see if you qualify: https://nationaldisabilitybenefits.org/?aid=kr.
Thanks that helps a lot
I have a stack of medical, Dr.visits & prescription medicines from waaay back when. I also was denied disability about 6 times. AFTER I had jumped thru their hoops & redtape. I see my Dr every month.
Please use the following link to see if you qualify: https://nationaldisabilitybenefits.org/?aid=kr.
Thank you for responding to my inquiry.
Thank you
I have found that disability insurance is very discouraging .
I have spent many hours day and night just getting my claim to the SSA And I also stopped and remembered the first day I went to work in the concrete business and how hard it was to get the job done. I had no idea what I would do to myself and the pain I would have to go through. I had no idea what social security was about, or why I had to pay for it.
I need help with my case!
Please send us an email to nationaldisabilitybenefits@gmail.com so we can help you get in contact with the correct people/agency.
I have also lost three inches in height from long time usage of prescription drugs, Ins aids!….They deteriorate bone, cartilage, and fluids in the rotator cuff causing arthritis to the bones.
I receive SSI now ,I have been for about two yrs .when I talk to social security an ask why its SSI an not regular social security Disability I never get a good answer one that makes sence . Can you help ?
Please contact the SSA office at https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/phone.html
What if health problems allow you for a limited time to work. You have only yourself and no one else to take care of you. Your in a town with no relative’s.
Please use our short survey to see if you qualify: https://nationaldisabilitybenefits.org/?aid=kr
I have done 2 outta 3…. Im trying for ssi
I work part time and I have a few medical issues. Partially deaf, meralgia paresthetica, high blood
pressure and asthma.
PLEASE Help
I have applied for SSI and not sure of my standing.
I’m sorry to hear that. Please contact the SSA office for the latest status of your case. Here is the link to help you: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/phone.html
Thank you for the help. I am a bit Leary about this process so this helps a lot.
Iam still working full time for maybe a month and there letting me go cause cant do my job well and I dont feel able to hold down full time job I have lower back pain and diabetic and high blood pressure and deff in one ear and hearing getting bad in good ear so I have hard time hearing people talking with other people around and on phone and that’s my job to take care of customers buying parts. Can you give me any help ?
Please take our very short survey to see if you qualify. The link is right here: https://nationaldisabilitybenefits.org/?aid=kr
Thank you for all the information you have given me!
I know that it is frustrating when you think your case is strong and it gets knocked down twice like mine.
Hard to prove the exact nature of an illness some times. Subjective is an experience that is happening with the Person and not the Medical Field. Never give up if you need it.
Richie from the Bronx
I was recieving SSDI, and now they cut me off. I do NOT want retirement benefits NOW @63yrs. old. I am disabled for life, and can NOT work. THIS is WRONG, and denying me my disability income. I have ALL my medical records, and disability records. also, i DO NOT want retirement benefits NOW at this time. I HOPE SSI WILL reconsider my appeal decision. I can NOT support myself on retirement benefits.
Lord I sure hopes that this information works on my behalf, and others also.
Thank you.
Thank You for the information. It is very helpful. I do appreciate it. I have been seeing a pulmonologist for four years for my COPD. Also a cardiologist since my M.I. On 11/12/2016. Had a triple bypass on Dec 2, 2019.
Thank you so much for your help.
I was just turned down for ssi I have lupus and edema in my feet and ankles I work part time but barely make that due to the swelling in my ankles I have appealed my case I see three different doctors for my medical issues and take 8 different medicines