Are you thinking of applying for Social Security Disability (SSD)? Before you do, check out our list of 5 important things to avoid on the road to receiving benefits.
1) Don’t Send Incomplete or Inaccurate Forms
To apply for Social Security Disability, you will need to complete a number of forms, and ensure that the information provided is correct. You will need to include an extensive amount of information, such as the names, addresses and phone numbers of all medical providers, complete medical records and more.
If you do not fill out a form completely, either by leaving sections blank or accidentally providing wrong information, your case will likely be denied and you will need to start the process all over again. Remember, intentionally providing false information, such as listing conditions you do not have, inaccurately listing dependents or including a false work history is incredibly detrimental to your case and is wrong. Make sure you are honest with your information.
To avoid errors, contact an experienced SSD attorney. He or she can guide you through the process, fill out the paperwork for you and ensure everything is correct. Having an experienced SSD lawyer work with you can also help improve the chances your initial application will be approved.
2) Don’t Stop Seeking Medical Treatment
If you are in the process of applying for disability benefits or waiting for a decision, do not stop going to your doctor for medical appointments and treatments. Documents of your medical records, treatments, medications, dosages, etc. are extremely important evidence to prove your disability and help you get approved for benefits. Your medical records and continued treatment are critical for your claim. You should continue seeing your doctor and follow his or her instructions for your treatment at all times during the process.
If you stop seeing a doctor, the Social Security Administration may determine that your condition is not severe enough to receive benefits.
3) Don’t Only Report Some of Your Conditions
Make sure to report all of the conditions you have that are affecting your way of life and ability to work. Don’t think that you are limited to only physical conditions. Your mental conditions could be negatively affecting your daily life, and you may have comorbid medical and mental disorders, meaning these conditions are occurring at the same time and may be caused by the primary condition.
The Social Security Administration will review all of the conditions you listed in the application. Remember, it is important to have medical documentation of all disabilities, including mental conditions, to prove your disabilities. A skilled SSD attorney can help you with the entire application, including filling out all of your conditions and providing medical evidence.
4) Don’t Miss Deadlines for Appeals
If your application is denied, it is advised to appeal the denial. However, you must follow the appeals deadlines and send requests for a hearing within 60 days of receiving a denial.
A skilled SSD lawyer is critical to have throughout the entire process, and especially during the appeals process. An experienced SSD lawyer can prepare all of the necessary evidence for your claim, help prepare you for what to expect at the hearing and provide strong legal representation to help you get approved for benefits.
5) Don’t Do Drugs or Break the Law
If drinking or drugs is proven to be the main reason for your disabilities or makes your conditions worse, it is likely your claim will be denied. A skilled SSD lawyer can help answer any questions you have about substance abuse. You should also avoid any kind of criminal activity as breaking the law can hurt your chances of receiving benefits.
We Can Help
If you are disabled and unable to work, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan for a free confidential consultation. We’ll let you know if we can help you get a monthly check and help you determine if any money or assets you receive could impact your eligibility for disability benefits.
Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping the disabled of Michigan seek the Social Security Disability benefits they need. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-949-2900.
Let Michigan’s experienced Social Security Disability law firm help you get the benefits you deserve.
Disability Attorneys of Michigan, Compassionate Excellence.