SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal aid program that financially helps the disabled because their disability has robbed them of the means to earn their livelihood. Because of the range of benefits available to those approved for SSDI benefits, there is a high volume of applications made. However, a large number of applications face rejection because the program simply cannot accommodate the number received. The SSDI program is funded by taxpayers; therefore aid, or payout, is controlled stringently through a series of reviews and analyses of applicants.
What then could be the solution to getting approved? One of the primary things to focus on would be to avoid doing things that can get your application rejected directly. We’ve listed some of the mistakes you must avoid when seeking SSDI approval:
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- Collecting Unemployment Benefits
When you continue to collect unemployment benefits, you are sending the message that you do have aid, which is indeed true. While this is still an unclear issue, the volume of unemployment benefits received may cast doubts over your additional need for financial aid from SSDI, thus jeopardizing the chances of an approval.
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- Continuing With Work or Employment
SSDI provides aid to people who have been robbed of their ability to work by their disability. If you are still able to work, this means your disability is not crippling enough, and you are still able to earn a living. If yes, you have no reason to apply for SSDI benefits . This sequence is logic-driven and hence, a sure recipe for a SSDI rejection, whether or not your earnings are adequate to help you make ends meet.
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- Not Checking up Your Application Status
While it is true that more applications get rejected than approved, you need to be consistent in checking for your application status because there is an option for appeal in the case your application is rejected the first time. Unless you are keeping your eyes open and following up on your SSDI application, there is a good chance you could miss out on the critical window allowed for an appeal or a hearing.
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- Not Preparing Adequately for Filing
This is the single biggest mistake made by individuals. SSDI needs thorough preparation and collecting of records. If the paperwork is not in order, there is very little chance of the application getting accepted by the authorities. This also holds true for requests or appeals for a hearing.
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- Not Taking into Consideration Effects of A Disability on the Mind
Your disability might be a physical one, such as losing control of your limbs, or losing an entire limb, or losing a crucial physical ability, but the effects can cause disability of the mind as well. The mind is a part of the human body as well and effects of a physical disability can be far reaching, causing depression too. Understanding this vital fact and being able to articulate it in the application can help with the approval. Not doing so, or failing to take this into account, is one of the mistakes people make when applying for SSDI benefits .
Not Seeking Professional Help
While individuals can represent themselves when filing for SSDI, the details required in the application are such that you increase your chances of receiving an SSDI approval when you have a professional by your side.
Professional lawyers are best equipped to help ensure your application for SSDI approval is accepted. From understanding eligibility better to ensuring paperwork is in order and tracking your SSDI application, all of the above mistakes can be avoided when a professional is on your side, helping you file the application and guiding you on what needs to be done.
If your application is rejected, you can apply for a hearing, but this must be done within a specific time period. If this time period is missed out on, your chance to gain SSDI approval may be lost. A Social Security Disability lawyer can guide you best both, when applying and when following up on your application and advising you on further action in case of an initial rejection.
At Legal Rights Advocates, PLLC, we help clients who are facing the prospects of disability and preparing to live with it with dignity and independence. Our team of attorneys, over the years, has helped countless clients understand their disability better and thus avoid common mistakes while seeking SSDI benefits.
If you are interested in learning more about disability insurance, call us at (855) 254-7841 for immediate assistance.