Top Mistakes to Avoid: Insights from Philadelphia Disability Lawyers

If you are unable to work due to health issues, Social Security Disability benefits can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life. They provide you with a monthly income, which means you stress less about paying your bills and focus on what is important to you.

Before you can do that, however, you have to make it through a time-consuming and rather tricky application process without making any mistakes. Getting benefits is a complex process. In fact, during the past decade, more than 75% of all people who applied were denied disability benefits. With your financial security and peace of mind at risk, you cannot afford a single error.

Disability lawyers in Philadelphia can help you avoid the two basic types of mistakes that could cost you the benefits you need:
- Mistakes in your application
- Mistakes in the application process

Get personalized help with your disability claim by scheduling a free consultation with a qualified attorney today.

Mistakes Commonly Made on Social Security Disability Applications

The most common mistakes made on Social Security disability applications in Philadelphia are:

Providing Insufficient or Incomplete Information

Every single form must be filled out in its entirety. The idea is to give Social Security enough information about your situation so your claims examiner can understand how your health issues stop you from being able to work and why you need the benefits.

Including Erroneous or Incorrect Information

Every piece of information included on your forms must be correct. During the approval process, if a Social Security official determines that something on your forms is incorrect, it could result in the denial of your claim.

No Medical Records to Back Your Claim

If you have health issues that prevent you from working, you need to have that recorded as an official medical diagnosis. Any prescription medications and ongoing treatment or care should give you sufficient medical evidence to support your claim.

Not Updating your Social Security File

When you appeal a denial, you have the opportunity to update your details and submit additional evidence. Do not let this opportunity pass you by. A good way to begin your claim for disability is to get an evaluation from a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer.

Mistakes Commonly Made During the Disability Process

Sometimes, the mistakes people make when they are trying to get approved for Social Security Disability benefits have nothing to do with their application but rather the handling of their claims.

Some of the most common errors not related to the paperwork itself are:

Not Applying in a Reasonable Amount of Time

You should begin your claim as soon as you can. Letting too much time go by between the last time you worked and filing your claim can result in your claim being denied.

Continuing to Work

Social Security disability benefits are intended for people who are unable to work. So, if you are still clocking in every day, your claim could be denied. Social Security imposes some pretty strict limits regarding how much a person can work while still qualifying for benefits. Due to the fact that the whole application process can take more than two years to be settled, many applicants are tempted to work while they are waiting to be approved.

Unfortunately, working will undermine your odds of receiving disability benefits. In addition to this, if you make more than a certain amount of money, your claim can be denied as well.

Not Appealing Your Denial

A lot of people get frustrated and simply throw in the towel when their initial claim is denied. A denial is not the end of the road, as many cases are approved on appeal.

Not Including Family Members Who Qualify for Benefits

Certain family members of those receiving benefits may also be able to claim benefits, such as adult children who are also disabled or spouses of disability recipients.

Relying on an Insurance Company Representative

If you are seeking long-term coverage, the insurance company may refer you to one of its representatives for help with your claim. Keep in mind that the representative’s loyalty is to their company and its profit margins, not you and your needs.

Trying to Handle Your Disability Claim on Your Own

Working with an experienced and reputable Philadelphia disability lawyer will give you your best chance at having your claim approved and getting the benefits you need.

A skilled disability attorney can help you file your claim correctly and ensure that your application forms and supporting evidence are as accurate and plentiful as possible. They can also keep you on the right track when it comes to meeting important deadlines. 

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Posted - 10/02/2023