Social Security Disability is the insurance the federal government provides if you become disabled. No one wants to think about this possibility, but, unfortunately, the reality is that many people will have to face it as they age.
Even if you are not currently disabled, it is important you understand what you can do now to help your case if you should become disabled in the future. Certain actions you take or do not take now could have an effect on your future ability to collect Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly known as SSDI.
Disability is more common than people think
The thought of becoming disabled is most likely far from your mind if you are currently healthy and able to work without any trouble. However, the Social Security Administration said more than one in four people in their twenties today will eventually face a disability before they reach the retirement age of 67. This is a sobering figure and reflects the important role SSDI plays in society.
Errors are also common
One of the first mistakes healthy individuals make when it comes to the possibility of future SSDI benefits has to do with their overall health. Preventative care is essential when it comes to maintaining health. It is important to have regular doctor check-ups and to document all exams and related lab work and tests. This may not seem important if you are currently healthy, but it can be of critical importance if you have to apply for SSDI in the future.
Another mistake people make when it comes time to apply for SSDI is filling out a Disability Report Form without having an attorney’s assistance. Many people think this form is a simple formality, and as such, they complete it without any outside legal help. This is a huge mistake because oftentimes, an applicant’s responses work against her or him and may lead to a denial. That can make it even harder to appeal a decision. There are many factors that come into play when the Social Security Administration decides to approve or deny an application for SSDI.
Clearly, an attorney’s help is an essential step to ensure your SSDI application has the best chance of approval. If you have a disability and need to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, it can be a good idea to have a consultation with an attorney with experience helping people with these applications.