Learn how to improve your chances of winning Social Security disability benefits. Find top tips for getting disability and what to do if denied.
Living with a disability can be a challenging experience. The process of obtaining disability benefits can also be complex and difficult, but not impossible.
However, there are ways to increase your chances of getting help. With the right approach, you can live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
By taking these steps and following the advice of your attorney, you can increase your chances of getting the disability benefits you deserve.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Disability? (9 Easy Ways)
Maximize your chances of receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) with these nine strategies.
1. Hire an Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney
Hiring an experienced Social Security Disability attorney is the easiest way to increase your chances of getting disability benefits.
Your attorney will help you through all the steps, from the initial application submittal to understanding your benefits award if you win.
2. Ensure Your Disability Application Is Complete
Always double-check your disability application. Fully complete it and ensure you answered all the questions to the fullest of your ability.
The more questions you completely answer, the better your chances of winning your disability claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can make an informed decision on your disability claim if you provide detailed and accurate information.
3. File Your Disability Claim as Soon as Possible
As soon as you decide to apply for disability, you should file it. This is because the process can take several months to years, depending on your circumstances.
4. Keep Accurate and Complete Medical Documentation
It’s essential to inform your doctor and medical team of your intention to apply for Social Security disability. That way, they can provide you with the necessary medical records.
It’s also important to keep a diary or journal of your symptoms. This supporting medical evidence is helpful and can increase the chances of disability approval.
5. Follow All Medical Treatment Recommendations
An essential aspect of filing for Social Security Disability is your compliance with medical treatment recommendations.
It’s vital to follow your doctor and medical team’s medical advice. Ignoring treatment and other recommendations will likely result in a disability denial.
6. Provide Detailed Medical Evidence To Support Your Claim
You will need medical evidence to qualify for disability benefits. Without the required medical evidence, the SSA will deny your claim.
Be sure to gather all the required medical records and medical evidence to support your disability claim. Keep them in a binder or something similar to organize everything.
7. Don’t File a Disability Claim if You’re Still Working
The SSA may not consider your claim if you’re able to work.
Social Security considers a qualifying disability if all the following are true:
- You cannot do work and engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) because of your medical condition.
- You cannot do work you did previously or adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
- Your condition has lasted or expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
Also Read: The SSDI Trial Work Period Explained
8. Make an Appeal Within 60 Days if Denied Benefits
If the SSA denied your disability claim, you can appeal the decision if you disagree. There are four levels of appeal when you disagree with a determination:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Review by the Appeals Council
- A Federal Court review
You or your attorney can request an appeal by going to the SSA website and completing the required form online.
However, you must request a hearing within 60 days of receiving the denial notice. When possible, appeal your denial notice as soon as you receive it.
If you need help appealing a decision, contact Evans Disability to increase the chance of winning your disability case.
9. Don’t Miss Deadlines and Risk Your Claim Getting Denied
Unfortunately, the SSA may deny your disability claim if you miss the appeal deadlines or other deadlines for paperwork.
Set reminders or work with an attorney to assist you in submitting your required documentation on time.
What Disqualifies a Person From Disability? (5 Top Reasons)
To qualify for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), you must meet several SSA requirements.
Here are the top five reasons the SSA may deny you disability benefits.
1. Not Meeting a Blue Book Listing
The SSA Blue Book lists impairments the Social Security Administration considers severe enough to prevent someone from working. It also lists the medical criteria for determining if that person can receive disability benefits.
The SSA will likely deny you disability benefits if you do not meet one or more disabling conditions listed in the Blue Book.
2. Not Having Enough Work Credits
You must earn at least 40 Social Security work credits to qualify for disability benefits. You earn credits by working and paying Social Security taxes.
The SSA may deny your disability claim if you do not have enough work credits.
3. Lack of Medical Evidence
If you do not provide enough medical evidence with your disability application, the SSA will deny you benefits.
The SSA needs a complete, accurate picture of your disability and the symptoms preventing your inability to work.
4. You Are Able to Work
Remember, Social Security Disability Income is for people who cannot work due to a disabling condition.
Telling or demonstrating to the SSA that you can work will result in an instant denial of Social Security benefits.
5. You Make Too Much Income
You can receive SSDI benefits and work as long as your earnings are less than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. The SSA will likely deny your application if your wages exceed this limit. This is because the SSA may believe your condition does not affect your ability to work.
What Is the Easiest Way To Get Disability Benefits?
Hiring an attorney is the easiest way to get disability benefits. This is because disability lawyers can assist you through the entire process, which can be complex. They also have experience working on Social Security cases.
If you apply for disability yourself, the simplest way is to file the application online at the SSA website.
Also Read: Social Security Disability Insurance: 5 Signs You’ll Be Approved
What Are the Chances of Winning Disability with a Lawyer?
The chances of winning your disability claim are about 50% if you have a hearing before a judge. However, your odds will differ depending on various circumstances.
If you retain a lawyer for your disability case, your odds can increase to 62%. Quality representation makes your claim statistically more likely to be approved than rejected.
Also, a Government Accountability Office study found that people represented at disability hearings are nearly three times more likely to obtain benefits.
Also Read: How to Win a Social Security Disability Hearing
What To Do if Denied Disability Benefits?
If denied disability, it’s essential to obtain an attorney for your best chance at submitting and winning an appeal.
If you choose to file an appeal yourself, there are several steps to follow:
- File within the deadline listed on your denial letter. Generally, this is within 60 days of receiving your denial letter.
- Provide the additional evidence requested in the denial letter, if any.
- Continue gathering supporting medical evidence and documentation.
- Keep seeking medical care and following all treatment recommendations.
For more information, contact Evans Disability or visit SSA Disability Appeal.
Call Evans Disability To Increase Your Chances of Getting Disability
The attorneys at Evans Disability specialize in Social Security Disability claims. We are ready and willing to assist you in obtaining your disability benefits. Call us today at (855) 503-0101.
