Almost everyone has some kind of digital footprint. From LinkedIn accounts that spotlight your career trajectory to Facebook and Instagram accounts, social media is a big part of life in the 21st century.
But if you have filed or plan to file an SSDI claim, you might want to lock down your social media accounts during the pendency of the proceedings — and potentially even after. If that seems like a drastic move, read on to learn why it might be a prudent move to make.
Social media depicts an unrealistic snapshot of your life
Sometimes, people will take 20 or 30 photos of themselves before they find one to post online to their social media accounts. Then, online photos are often heavily edited and shot with filters that considerably enhance the subject’s appearance.
In other words, the closely curated and tweaked photos on people’s Instagram and Facebook pages often aren’t a true representation of their actual appearances and abilities.
Social media can tank a legitimate SSDI claim
Everything that gets posted online by claimants is fair game to be used as evidence to deny their claims for benefits. Even though that shot of you backhanding a tennis ball on the court may have been staged to make you appear athletic, it could also be the basis for denying you benefits.
Be careful what others post as well
At the least, you should disable tagging in photos and make your friend list private. But even that may not be sufficient to stop an intrepid Social Security Administration (SSA) investigator from uncovering a trove of photos that make you appear hale and healthy even when you’re not.
Learning more about what can disqualify claimants from benefits can help you avoid those pitfalls and get the benefits you need to thrive.