Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your SSD Claim
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can provide much-needed assistance to individuals who have become disabled through illness or injury. If you are completely disabled, unable to work and have paid into the Social Security system for the required period, you may be eligible for benefits.
How to File the SSD Application in Dallas, Texas
The application process for SSD benefits can be daunting, to say the least. It is an unfortunate fact that most initial applications are denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA), after which an applicant must request reconsideration within 60 days.
Experienced SSD Attorneys, Kraft & Associates, P.C.
A knowledgeable SSD lawyer can advise you and help protect your rights throughout the process. At Kraft & Associates, P.C., we can assist you at the initial application stage, at the reconsideration stage, and with the formal hearing that will be held in front of an administrative law judge. Our seasoned SSD lawyers can help you avoid mistakes that could reduce the chances for approval of your claim.
We’re an established and professional law firm with friendly lawyers and staff who are easy to talk to. Please call us at (214) 999-9999 or contact us online.
Avoid These Mistakes When Applying for SSD Benefits
The SSD application process is complicated, and each claim is unique. The following are some common errors to avoid that could delay your claim or damage your chances for approval.
- Providing inaccurate information.
The information you provide to the SSA must be factual and accurate. Many of the statements in your application will need to be backed up with supporting documentation. Always be truthful and accurate in your written statements and verbal testimony. - Providing insufficient information.
During the SSD application process, you will need to provide detailed information and documentation about your work history, medical problems and physical limitations because of your disabling illness or injury. You must provide all the data and documentation needed to support your claim for benefits. - Minimizing or exaggerating the extent of disability.
You must have medical records to support the level of disability claimed in your SSD application, and that disability should not be exaggerated. However, you should also take care not to downplay or minimize the effect your illness or injury has had on your life, through pride or the fact that you have become accustomed to the circumstances. This is not the time for a stiff upper lip. - Failing to see a doctor on a regular basis.
If you fail to see a doctor on a regular bases, it could be used as evidence that you were not disabled during that time, because you were not receiving treatment. If you do not currently have a doctor, our law firm can help you seek affordable options. - Missing an appeal request deadline.
After a denial of the initial application or a denial on reconsideration, the applicant has 60 days in which to request an appeal. If you miss a deadline to request an appeal, you may have to start over again at the beginning of the application process. - Rambling during testimony in a hearing.
In your hearing in front of an administrative law judge, be sure to provide relevant details and give specific examples as needed, but take care to stay on point and avoid relaying irrelevant or unnecessary information. - Giving up too early in the process.
Although most SSD applications are initially denied, many people are eventually approved to receive benefits in the appeals process. In such cases, the sequence goes as follows: 1) initial application; 2) reconsideration; 3) hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Do not give up if you are denied at the initial application or reconsideration stage. - Attempting the SSD application and appeals process without legal representation.
Without help from an attorney, an SSD claim is more likely to be denied. Our firm highly recommends that you retain a lawyer to review your initial application before you file it. You could permanently damage your chances of receiving benefits if you say the wrong thing, or say the right thing in the wrong way. Even if you have already applied and been initially denied, it is not too late to get help from a lawyer. Legal representation can help you get the benefits you need and deserve through the appeals process.
Legal Representation in Your SSD Claim
The SSD application process is lengthy and complex, and a strict definition of “disability” applies to SSD benefits. Our SSD lawyers are well-versed in the intricacies of disability claims. We can guide you through the process, help you obtain the medical documentation you will need, assist you at your hearing, monitor the status of your claim, and verify that your benefit amounts are correct.
Our experienced SSD lawyers know exactly what the administrative law judge will be looking for at your disability hearing. We can assist you in presenting your case in a manner that establishes credibility and increases your chance of approval.
At the law firm of Kraft & Associates, P.C., we will be pleased to assist you with any questions you have regarding Social Security Disability. Please call us at (214) 999-9999 or contact us online now.
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