1. Talking to a legal advocate
after filing your application or completing forms.
We provide free consultations and would be happy to answer questions before
you apply for benefits or fill out any forms.
2. Not filing for all benefits you may qualify for.
In addition to SSD, you may qualify for SSI benefits, veterans disability
benefits, workers' compensation, or private insurance such as short
term or long term disability.
3. Waiting too long to file your claim.
There is a time limit after you stop working to file for Social Security
disability benefits and to show the date your disability began. Consider
a parking meter: When you put quarters into a parking meter, you accrue
a time limit for parking. When you walk away from the meter, your time
ticks away until your meter expires.
Like this parking meter, when you work you earn quarters of coverage toward
Social Security disability benefits. These quarters begin to “tick
down” after you stop working. The last date that you are eligible
for benefits is known as your “Date Last Insured.” You will
need to show that you are disabled prior to this date and file your application
in a timely manner to ensure you don’t miss your chance.
4. Only including your most severe, current health condition when filing
for disability benefits.
Social Security is required to consider all of your medical impairments
but only if you ask them to. It is common for people to forget to include
mental health impairments or other chronic medical conditions such as
arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, fibromyalgia, and others. One condition
may not be disabling by itself, but in combination with others, you may
be found disabled.
5. Not considering the effect “small talk” or “flippant
remarks” have on your medical records.
When seeing health providers, they will often write down everything that
is said. A simple response of “I’m OK” can be interpreted
by someone who doesn’t know you to mean that you are having a good
day with no current health issues. Be certain to let your doctor know
your specific health complaints when you are having them including pain,
fatigue, shortness of breath, or other issues. Don’t exaggerate
your symptoms, but don't minimize them either.
6. Not appealing a denial of your application.
Approximately 70% of claimants are denied at the application stage. It
is a good idea to file an appeal, which is a request for a hearing with
an administrative law judge. While you are waiting for a hearing, you
will be developing a record of your treatment, as well as evidence supporting
your disability.
7. Not notifying Social Security of all of your medical treatment providers.
When you file your application or appeal, it is important to ensure that
your medical record is complete. Inform Social Security of your treating
physicians, where you had labs, x-rays or other radiology studies, any
procedures, ER visits or hospital stays, as well as upcoming appointments.
Be sure to include any medications you take on a regular and as-needed basis.
Our Social Security Disability Lawyers are Here to Help
If you're thinking of applying for SS benefits, or if you've already
applied and been denied, contact our firm today. We can guide you through
the process and help you get all the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Get in touch with our Pennsylvania Social Security disability attorneys for a free and confidential consultation.