Ten Tips for a Successful Social Security Disability Claim
1. Regular Doctor Visits
Maintaining comprehensive and up to date medical records enhances your chances for success dramatically. When the Social Security Administration (SSA) (or other Administrative Law Judge) reviews your claim, medical records are the most important factor in the decision. Therefore, make frequent and consistent doctor visits.
2. Follow Doctor’s Orders
When doctors prescribe medication, treatment or therapy, it is important to follow the doctors’ orders carefully. When Social Security reviews an applicant’s treatments and sees that an applicant refused to take medications or comply with recommendations for treatment, SSA may likely conclude that these actions are inhibiting your improvement. By carefully following doctors’ orders, an applicant demonstrates that he is doing everything possible to improve his condition.
3. Give All Medical Records to Your Attorney
The importance of maintaining comprehensive and up to date medical records has been established. A fully copy of all records must be given to the applicant’s attorney so that he is prepared. In addition, the applicant’s attorney must be notified of all doctor appointments and results.
4. Refrain from Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Social Security does not pay benefits if drugs or alcohol are contributing factors to a disability. If the applicant’s medical records show current drug or alcohol abuse, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim will be denied. If past use appear in the medical records, he applicant must prove that all drug or alcohol use has stopped.
5. Be Detailed on Your Applications and Paperwork
Keep an accurate and detailed diary of how your disability affects your day to day activities. For example, an applicant should NOT write, “ I watch TV all day,” because SSA will conclude that you can sit and answer phones 8 hours a day. Rather, an applicant needs
to explain how long he can sit and what pain and discomfort causes him to change positions.
to explain how long he can sit and what pain and discomfort causes him to change positions.6. Maintaining Frequent Contact with SSA and the SSDI Attorney
Social Security denies applications DAILY because they cannot locate the applicant. When an applicant moves or changes a phone number, it is important to give all new contact information to relevant SSA offices. Equally important is providing accurate contact information to an applicant’s attorney.
7. Comply with Social Security’s Requests
Social Security makes frequent requests of applications. All SSA forms, exams and paperwork must be completed promptly and accurately. Failure to comply with SSA demands may result in denial.
8. Watch Your Earnings
SSA has strict qualifications that must be adhered to in order to qualify for benefits, and the monthly earnings limit is one of the most important. When applying for SSDI, this limit is called SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). For 2011 the limits are as follows:
Non-Blind Individual = $1,000
Blind Individual = $1,640
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, the amount varies based on marital status and state of residency.
9. Seek Assistance from Your Local Congressman
An applicant should invite his local congressional representative to write a letter supporting his claim. A letter from a congressman cannot influence the decision on your social security claim; it may speed up the process (especially in dire need situations).
10. Don’t Give Up
Receiving social security benefits is a long and difficult process. Denial rates are high and the majority of cases will not be resolved until an Administrative Law Judge hearing.
Call now and speak to an attorney from Rosenblum Law Firm about your SSDI claim.