When you have an injury or illness that qualifies you for Social Security Disability benefits, you want to make sure you have the best shot at an approval. The SSDI application is one of the most integral documents you may need to fill out.
The SSDI application may seem complicated, and rightfully so: It is not something you should fill out unaided. When you do not seek help from a professional when filling out the application, you may wind up making one or all of these three common mistakes.
1. Not giving enough detailed information
You must include the details regarding your injuries and limitations in the application. Too many people give information that is too broad. In fact, many times people minimize their limitations and play down their ailments. The Social Security Administration may reject claims if they seem minimal or do not provide enough real-world examples of how the limitations affect an applicant’s quality of life.
2. Not giving a complete work history
Lying about work history or specific details of your job duties is another way to put your application in jeopardy. Applicants make the mistake of lightening up the load, so to speak, when it comes to the ins and outs of a prior job that required lifting or physical labor. Leaving jobs off an application can also lead to problems. Provide a complete and detailed account of your work history.
3. Not providing enough evidence
The SSA denies a staggering 70 percent of applications for SSDI benefits the first time. You may think the only evidence you need is a report from the doctor stating you need benefits due to a disability. In reality, you need to provide test results; multiple reports from numerous doctors and clinicians only help prove your case.
Hiring an attorney to help you fill out your application gives you a better chance of providing the proper information the first time. A professional who knows what the SSA wants can help you put your best efforts forward.