COMMON MISTAKES FOR DISABILITY APPLICANTS TO AVOID

© James Publishing

6

FAILING TO REQUEST A HEARING.1.

Many applicants who are denied initially fail to take the next steps and request a hearing, and yet more than half of the applicants who receive a hearing will be awarded benefits.

STOPPING MEDICAL TREATMENT.2.

If you stop treatment now, the Social Security Administration may assume that you have recovered or no longer need medical help. Seeyour doctor regularly and report all of your symptoms at each visit to improve your chances for success.

KEEPING INCOMPLETE RECORDS.3.

It’s important to document your medical conditions and all of your treatment. Ask your doctors to record your symptoms in your treatment records on each visit. Keep your own detailed record of all of your treatments, medications, therapy, and any medical tests received.

FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.4.

When you seek unemployment benefits, you have to declare that you are capable of working. This declaration is contrary to your claim to the Social Security Administration that you are unable to work. Talk to your disability lawyer before filing for unemployment because receiving unemployment benefits while claiming to be disabled can be fatal to your disability case.

USING/ABUSING ILLEGAL DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.5.

Since the Social Security Administration no longer considers drug addiction or alcoholism compensable disabilities, suffering from one of these conditions complicates your case. You should seek treatment now and abstain totally until your case is done.

FAILING TO GET LEGAL REPRESENTATION WHEN NEEDED.6.

The disability hearing is a complex and high-stakes event. Your chances of being awarded benefits are significantly increased with proper legal representation. A disability lawyer is affordable. Most offer clients a “contingent fee,” a fee paid only if they win.