The vast majority of applications for Social Security disability benefits get rejected. Whether you seek to collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you will want to make sure that you have the best possible likelihood of getting approved for that all-important monthly check.
Here are a few pointers on how to increase your chances of receiving Social Security benefits. A Texas disability attorney can take a look at your situation and advocate on your behalf.
Four Things You Should Do Before Submitting Your Application for Benefits
1. Talk to Your Doctor About Your Disability Application.
You want to find out if your doctor agrees that your physical or mental condition qualifies for benefits. If your doctor does not think that your condition is severe enough to constitute a disability, your chances of being denied Social Security disability benefits are much higher than if your doctor supports your position.
Also, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires specific test results for certain types of illnesses. If your doctor knows that you plan to apply for benefits, your physician can order those tests to avoid delays in the evaluation process.
Sometimes a person’s doctor is unaware of how a medical condition impacts the patient’s ability to work for a living. You will want to discuss that topic with your doctor before filing your application.
2. The SSA Will Need Copies of Your Medical Records.
For a smoother evaluation process, you will want to submit copies of your medical records with your initial application. Usually, the processing of your claim goes more quickly if the SSA has everything at their fingertips because you attached all of it the necessary evidence to your initial application. Otherwise, the SSA could deny your application, and then you would have to go through the appeals process, which can take a long time.
3. Complete Your Medical Treatment.
One reason the SSA denies many initial applications is that the individual has chosen not to follow the recommended treatment from the doctor. The SSA will assume that your condition would be better if you followed all the recommended treatments. The rules for Social Security benefits require that you do your very best to become as healthy as possible. If, after exhausting all those options, you still cannot maintain gainful employment, the SSA will continue examining your application for benefits.
4. Work with a Disability Lawyer.
A lawyer who works on disability claims knows what the SSA expects and requires before they will approve an application for benefits. If you miss any of the required items, the SSA can deny your application. Your only option then is to go through a lengthy appeals process. One of the best ways to increase the likelihood of your claim containing everything the SSA requires is to work with a lawyer from the beginning.
Two Things You Can Do After Submitting Your Application for Benefits
1. Keep Your Finger on the Pulse.
Make a point to check on the status of your application for disability benefits frequently. You could call the SSA for updates. Sometimes, it is possible to check online to see if the SSA requires any additional information. If the SSA wants more data, your application will not move forward one step in the process until they receive that information.
2. Cooperate with the Claims Examiner.
Every time you receive correspondence from the SSA claims examiner, you will want to respond immediately. The SSA can deny your application for disability benefits if you do not comply with the requests of the claims examiner. Sometimes, the SSA will schedule medical exams of applicants. If you do not attend those appointments, the SSA can deny your claim.
As you can see, there are many reasons that the SSA denies applications for Social Security benefits. A Texas disability lawyer can help you avoid those situations. Get in touch with our office today for a free consultation.