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4 Mistakes Not To Make If You Want To Receive SSDI Benefits

18 June 2015

Mia Little

If you are trying to get Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, commonly referred to as "disability benefits" or "SSDI", you may think it's a straightforward process. However, it can be easy to make mistakes that lead to a denial of benefits. Here are some mistakes to avoid when filing for disability benefits.

Earning Too Much Money

If you make more than a certain amount of money each month, you will be facing a denial of benefits. Why? The Social Security Administration requires that those who want disability benefits are not making more than what they refer to as Substantial Gainful Activity. The monthly wages limit changes each year, so check with the Social Security Administration before filing for disability benefits or cutting down your work hours.

Collecting Unemployment Benefits

You might think it's a good idea to collect unemployment benefits while waiting for your disability case to be decided. However, that could mean trouble for your SSDI claim. Unemployment benefits are typically for those who are able to work but cannot find a job in their field. Since your position is that you are unable to work because of a disability, there could be a conflict that delays your social security claim or earns you a flat out denial. Think twice before filing for both unemployment and disability benefits.

Not Listening to Your Doctor

The Social Security Administration must rely on your credibility before they approve disability benefits. They look for ways to prove what you're saying is factual, and one of the ways they do that is to investigate your medical history. If your doctor has recommended a brace or a certain medication and you have chosen not to comply, you may be damaging your own case. Not following your doctor's orders makes it seem like your disability is not as serious as you claim.

There are some exceptions to this rule. If you are too poor to afford the treatment or your religion prohibits certain treatments, you may still be able to get disability benefits.

Withholding Medical Information

You might decide that some of your medical history isn't relevant to your disability claim, so you may omit it from your application. This is not a good idea, because it makes you look dishonest. Be sure to include as much of your medical history as possible, so that the Social Security Administration can get an accurate picture of your health.

Now that you're aware of these mistakes, use the information above to help you proceed. Talk to a lawyer from a firm like Law Offices Of Russell J. Goldsmith to get assistance in navigating through the process, so you can get the benefits you deserve.

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