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How to Avoid Mistakes in Your Social Security Disability Claim
Do You Want a Better Chance at Financial Relief?
Social Security Disability benefits can change your life when you can’t work due to health problems.
You can get monthly checks and Medicare coverage, freeing you from worry about how you’ll afford food or a roof over your head—so you can focus on your health, worry less and take care of yourself.
But most people get denied. In a recent 10-year period, 79% of people were rejected when they first applied for disability benefits.
At Angelina Valle & Associates, we’ve been helping people in Salinas, San Jose and around Northern California win Social Security Disability benefits for over 35 years.
And we’ve seen the kinds of mistakes people make when they’re dealing with this difficult process—mistakes that often lead to denial.
Read below for more about the mistakes you should avoid.
Or reach out to us. Our Social Security Disability lawyers can help you apply for disability or appeal a denial.
10 Common Social Security Disability Mistakes
For the best chance of winning Social Security Disability benefits, stay clear of these errors:
No. 1: Putting off Applying for Benefits
The sooner you apply, the sooner the process starts. It can be a long process, so it’s best to apply as soon as you realize you can’t work. And if you’re denied, you have to file your appeal within 60 days, so don’t delay.
No. 2: Failing to Provide Complete Information
Leaving items blank in your application forms, or otherwise failing to provide a full picture of your situation, can hurt your chances of winning benefits.
No. 3: Having Factual Errors in Your Application
Information that Social Security claims examiners—or disability judges during an appeal—find to be untrue can get you a denial. When Social Security officials get more information that goes against what you’ve said, they may doubt you.
No. 4: Providing Information that’s Beside the Point
Social Security is looking for certain information. You don’t need to spend time and energy explaining some things to them. An experienced disability lawyer can help you present what Social Security wants.
No. 5: Not Communicating Well with Social Security
The Social Security Disability process can seem impersonal and unfeeling. But when Social Security sends you information, asks for records or asks you questions, you need respond quickly, fully and politely.
No. 6: Abusing Illegal Drugs or Alcohol
A substance abuse problem can make claims reviewers and disability judges question many parts of your claim. You may need to show documentation that you’ve made serious efforts at rehabilitation.
No. 7: Failing to Go to the Doctor Enough
Your health is at the center of your disability claim. So your medical records showing regular doctor visits are one of the most important pieces you need. You have to be receiving ongoing treatment to get these records.
No. 8: Working while You Apply for Disability
While you can work small amounts and still qualify for disability benefits, the main point of these benefits is to help you when you can’t work. So continuing to work can threaten your claim.
No. 9: Giving Up when You’re Denied
It’s discouraging to get denied for Social Security Disability benefits. But you have to understand that it’s so common, it’s almost a routine part of the process. After people file appeals of their denials, the number of people who finally get approved goes up.
No. 10: Not Getting Professional Help
Having a disability lawyer is one of the best ways to make sure you don’t make mistakes 1-9. Your lawyer can handle all the details. And you PAY NO FEE UNTIL YOU WIN BENEFITS.
Angelina Valle & Associates Social Security Disability lawyers work with this process every day. You can start working with us by getting a consultation on your claim FOR FREE.
Disability Benefits Are Your Path to Greater Stability
People often misunderstand how Social Security Disability works.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are a form of coverage that you paid for with Social Security taxes withheld from every paycheck. This is not a handout, but a benefit you’re entitled to receive if you can’t work anymore thanks to health problems.
The benefits are designed to help people if they have to stop working before they reach the age for Social Security retirement.
But Social Security has thousands of rules for deciding when to award benefits. That’s why it’s easy to make mistakes.
So get some backup for your disability application or appeal. Angelina Valle & Associates focuses entirely on helping Californians win disability benefits.
Benefits protect your financial independence, reduce your stress and let you focus on living your life.