Every year millions of Americans receive some form of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Disabling conditions are relatively common among adults, but obtaining benefits can be difficult and complex. It can take months before your SSD claim gets approved or denied which is why it is crucial to have an experienced SSD lawyer on your side to help you get through the process.
Your medical and work histories are important when filing for benefits. Keep detailed records of your conditions, visits to doctors, and worsening symptoms. Your lawyer will make sure your files are up to date and filed properly.
Roughly two out of three SSD claims are denied after the initial filing. It is critical to build a strong claim from the start by submitting the right information and following all federal guidelines. To give your claim stability, avoid some of the easy-to-make mistakes that could hamper your chances of receiving a successful outcome.
Continuing to Work After Applying for Disability
If you continue to work after filing a Social Security Disability claim in any capacity, it compromises your credibility with the Social Security Administration (SSA). When you file your initial claim, you are stating that you cannot perform tasks for monetary gain. Working discredits this statement completely.
Not Receiving Adequate Medical Care for Your Condition
Medical records inform a large part of the determination process after you have filed for Social Security Disability. If you are not getting adequate medical attention while your claim is in a pending status, the SSA will have little information documented to confirm your claims of disability.
Not Adhering to Your Doctor’s Advice
If you do not take prescribed medications or undergo a recommended surgery for your condition, this can have a negative impact on your case. The SSA will often use information about how you adhere to your doctor’s advice to determine your credibility when it comes to your proclaimed medical condition. If you are not following sound medical advice, it may be assumed that your condition is not as disabling as you have claimed.
Disregarding an Unsupportive Doctor and Staying Under Their Care
Your primary care provider plays a crucial role when filing a Social Security Disability claim because their input is important. In fact, your doctor has to fill out a medical resource form on your behalf. A doctor who is not supportive of you filing a claim will encourage you to get back to work and may even be hesitant about accurately reflecting your condition in medical records used to determine your eligibility. If your doctor is not supportive or unhelpful, seek another health care provider.
Filing For or Receiving Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment benefits are provided for displaced employees who are capable of working, but have lost their employment status. If you file for or receive these benefits, you are stating that you are capable of working; therefore, you could compromise your ability to obtain Social Security Disability approval.
Not Appropriately Preparing for a Hearing
It can take as long as a year to obtain a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), so being prepared is always in your best interest. Gather recent medical records, know your case file, speak with your doctor, and consult with an attorney in advance to make sure you are well prepared for the hearing.
Not Following the Status of Your Social Security Disability Claim
With so many applicants to contend with, the SSA can make mistakes, lose paperwork, or skip informing you if your claim has been denied or if you need to take further action. You need to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to filing a Social Security Disability claim. Check the status of your claim online or call the Arkansas DDSSA office at 501-682-3030.
Assuming That You Cannot Afford Legal Representation
Legal representation with a qualified Social Security Disability attorney in Rogers is a valuable asset to your claim. An experienced lawyer can build the case to support your claim and help you during the appeals process if you are denied disability. In most cases, you will only be charged for your attorney’s out-of-pocket expenses while working on your case.
If you have a disability that prevents you from working, Social Security Disability benefits can be a source of income for your family. One of the first steps toward receiving benefits is determining your eligibility. A Social Security Disability attorney in Arkansas can review your medical records and weigh your unique case against the SSD guidelines explained below.
Social Security is designed to help people who are not able to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year, or result in death. One of the main qualifying factors for Social Security Disability eligibility is that you must have previously worked at a job in which you paid Social Security taxes. Your condition must also leave you unable to continue working in the role you previously held or prevent you from receive training for a new career.
To qualify for benefits, you must have a medical condition that is considered to be a disability under the program’s standards. An SSD attorney can help you review the list of approved conditions and review the following questions that determine your eligibility:
When it comes to the application process, it is highly beneficial to work with an experienced attorney who has filed the proper paperwork many times before and who helped previous Arkansas clients with their claims. The attorney can work with you to make sure you answer the questions plainly and accurately so the officials who will review your application are more likely to make the right determination on your claim.
Not all claims are accepted the first time they are submitted, even if the applicant meets all the criteria for Social Security Disability eligibility. If you did not receive assistance from a lawyer the first time you applied for benefits, you will want to seek their help after receiving a denial letter. It will be easier for you to submit an appeal with the guidance of a legal professional.
The Social Security Administration allows people who have been denied Social Security Disability eligibility to file again in an attempt to receive benefits. This may require you and your SSD attorney to provide further information about your medical condition, the doctors who treated you, and your ongoing needs. There are many ways to work with Social Security to get an approval on a disability claim, and your attorney can suggest the appropriate form or piece of information that will move your claim forward.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY IN ROGERS, CONTACT CADDELL REYNOLDS LAW FIRM TO START THE INVESTIGATION INTO YOUR CASE AND WORK TOWARD THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE.
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AVAILABLE TO ANSWER YOUR CALLS & EMAILS 24/7
CLEAR & CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS
AVAILABLE FOR HOME & HOSPITAL VISITS IF YOU CANNOT TRAVEL
COMMITTED TO MAXIMIZING THE RECOVERY YOU DESERVE
HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
OVER 100 YEARS OF COMBINED LEGAL EXPERIENCE