Table of Contents
- Inadequate understanding of the eligibility requirements
- Insufficient evidence
- Work history
- Lack of medical attention
- Inaccurate or incomplete application
- Giving up too soon
You have worked and faithfully paid your Social Security taxes but can’t anymore, at least not for a year or longer. Accidents or ailments can hit anyone anytime, forcing you out of employment/self-employment. Health conditions or injuries could lead to disability, meaning you can’t work and earn an income to meet your basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. In such instances, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Nonetheless, applying for the SSD can be lengthy and confusing, leaving considerable room for mistakes that can sink your claim. As such, it is best to consult or enlist a reputable social security lawyer in Crossville to help simplify the process. While the law doesn’t require you to hire social security Tennessee lawyer’s services to apply, their expertise can help ensure that you avoid falling into the common pitfalls, fast-track the application, and secure fair SSD benefits. Herein, we will highlight the common mistakes to avoid when applying for an SSD.
Inadequate understanding of the eligibility requirements
Your doctor stated you are disabled in their report, but this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll automatically be eligible for SSD benefits. You could also be eligible, but you fail to apply due to a lack of sufficient understanding of SSD eligibility. SSD benefits have specific eligibility requirements that your social security disability Cumberland Region lawyer can help you understand. For instance, you can only be considered disabled if you can’t do any work you are qualified and suited to, and the disability is expected or has lasted for at least a year or is expected to lead to death. This means that the criteria consider the severity and expected duration of the disability and its impact on your work ability, not simply being ill or injured. Such information is critical to ensure you don’t apply for SSD benefits only to be denied even after an appeal.
Insufficient evidence
When was the onset of your disability? Do you have sufficient evidence, mainly comprehensive medical records, to support your disability claim? You can only clearly demonstrate the severity and impact of the ailment or injury on your ability to work if you have sufficient supporting evidence. Medical test results, medication records, and doctors’ opinion, among other documentation, must be submitted during your application. This is among the top reasons you need an East Tennessee social security disability lawyer. The lawyer can help you gather as much evidence as possible, ensuring that you submit a solid claim.
Work history
Work history is a part of the eligibility criteria, which means you must pay close attention. You need to have accumulated enough work credits through past employment/self-employment to qualify for SSD benefits. The credits are based on the income range and number of years you’ve worked in a position covered by social security. Work history can be confusing, especially for self-employed individuals or if you have moved from one job to the next over the years. This is more so in instances like workplace injuries, where you may have stopped working but are still on the payroll. Even after securing personal injury compensation, you could still be on the payroll, which could count towards the work credits. This is another reason to consult the Roane County social security lawyer, ensuring you provide detailed and accurate work history to support the SSD benefits claim.
Lack of medical attention
Much like in personal injury cases, you need to show that you’re doing your best to be healthy. This means seeking medical treatment for the ailment or injury suffered. Consistent medical attention establishes the severity of the condition and the continuity of the disability. Besides regular care, you must follow your doctor’s recommendations, such as taking prescription medication, attending physical therapy sessions, and keeping up with medical appointments. Such a consistent record eliminates doubts about the seriousness of the situation and your commitment to remain healthy and resume working if possible.
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Inaccurate or incomplete application
Filling out the SSD application forms can be overwhelming. This means you are likely to miss some areas, overlook others, or make some errors when entering crucial data. If you don’t fill in accurately and completely fill out the forms, chances of denial are high. This is where a qualified Cookeville social security disability lawyer services come in handy. The lawyer can help you to review the application forms carefully, double-check the information, and ensure you submit a complete and accurate application.
Giving up too soon
Your initial SSD application can be denied; it is not uncommon. This doesn’t mean your claim is hopeless. You may have missed a few points that you can address better if you pursue an appeal. The tricky part is that the application may have taken months, and you don’t feel too optimistic about pursuing an appeal that could take even longer. The process doesn’t have to be frustrating, especially if you decide not to do it alone. Seek legal advice or assistance to lower the burden. An experienced Fairfield Glades lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of the SSD appeal. You may be shocked to learn how many individuals receive SSD benefits through the appeals process as they get the chance to do it better with legal advice.
Each disability claim is unique. As such, if you know a friend or relative who may have successfully applied, it doesn’t mean the strategy they followed will work in your place. Your claim is different, emphasizing the need to seek professional assistance for a personalized approach. Patience and perseverance can’t be overlooked, either. It helps if you set realistic expectations since the process can take time. Timely follow-ups, ensuring you remain engaged throughout your application, can’t be emphasized enough.
Injuries or medical conditions can turn your life inside out, but you should let the situation push you to the limits. You are entitled to some support to help you meet your basic needs, which you can access through the SSD application. The situation is overwhelming enough, which might affect your efforts to apply for social security disability. This doesn’t have to be the case when professional services are only a click or call away. Contact Burnett Law today for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. Our experienced team will hold your hand throughout the trying times and help you access the social security disability benefits you deserve to lead a quality lifestyle.
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