Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are often the last option available for those with disabling medical conditions. Those who haven’t responded to treatment and who don’t have private coverage available may apply for SSDI benefits when they can no longer work.
Provided that their condition is severe enough and that they have an adequate work history, they may qualify for monthly payments that can help cover their basic cost-of-living expenses. Unfortunately, quite a few applicants do not receive approval when they apply for benefits but get rejected instead.
Many times, small mistakes on the part of an applicant are what lead to a benefits request denial. The following mistakes are among the most common that people make when applying for SSDI benefits?
Submitting inadequate medical evidence
It is surprisingly common for people to believe that a diagnosis alone is enough to qualify for benefits. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) is more likely to approve people with certain conditions, a diagnosis alone is rarely adequate to secure SSDI benefits. Applicants need thorough medical records documenting the extent of the impact that their medical condition has on their ability to work. They may even need to undergo special testing solely for the purpose of gathering evidence.
Giving up too early
Some people read horror stories about rejected applications and lengthy appeals and talk themselves out of applying altogether. Other times, people apply initially, but then give up immediately after receiving a rejection notice. A small but significant percentage of applicants secure benefits during the appeals process. A fear of red tape may stop people from applying, while shame or frustration over a rejection may prevent them from appealing when they could likely prevail during an appeal.
Handling the process alone
The SSA allows applicants to work with an attorney when they submit their initial application. They can also have legal representation during an appeal. The advocacy and guidance of an attorney are invaluable during an SSDI application. Those who have a lawyer assisting them can feel more confident that they likely meet the necessary standard for benefits. They can reduce the risk of application errors. They also have someone on standby, ready to handle the appeals process if necessary.
SSDI benefits exist specifically to protect working individuals from financial hardship caused by medical issues. Learning from the mistakes that other people make can improve an applicant’s chances of success when they require the support of SSDI benefits.