Some people have such debilitating medical conditions that there is no question about whether or not they can work. In some cases, their conditions may be so severe that they qualify for rapid approval when they apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Unfortunately, many applicants have to appeal before they obtain the benefits they need. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a very high standard for qualifying conditions, and small mistakes when applying can result in qualified applicants needing to appeal.
The appeals process can lead to people getting the benefits they need. Those preparing for an SSDI benefits appeal may be able to increase their chances of success by taking all three of the steps outlined below.
Secure legal representation
Frequently, qualified applicants set themselves up for failure by trying to handle an SSDI application without support. While legal representation is not technically necessary, many people struggle to navigate the SSA’s red tape without assistance. An attorney can educate an applicant about their rights and help them navigate the appeals process. Lawyers can manage most of the process, which can take the pressure off of people already struggling with medical challenges.
Correct application issues
Frequently, SSDI denials occur because of issues with the necessary paperwork. People provide the wrong information or fail to submit the right documents. Correcting paperwork mistakes can increase an applicant’s chances of securing benefits.
Obtain additional medical documentation
Many denied SSDI benefits claims involved insufficient medical documentation. The person seeking benefits provides minimal medical information. In some cases, they may only provide paperwork affirming their diagnosis. However, a diagnosis alone isn’t enough to qualify for benefits. Applicants have to show that the condition they have is severe enough to affect their ability to perform basic job functions such as lifting, standing, sitting, walking and remembering.
In some cases, there may already be medical records affirming the symptoms someone has and how their condition affects their function. Other times, applicants appealing an unfavorable determination may need to undergo additional evaluations and gather records from treatment sessions to support their appeal.
Applicants hoping to appeal a denied SSDI benefits claim have to move quickly. Correcting paperwork issues and gathering medical records is often easier for those who have support.