Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers Blog
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be a long and daunting process. The reason for this is because the system is basically set up in a way that is designed to reject more than half of applicants, and, in many of these rejections, there is little relation to the merits of the claim.
A recent article from The Global Dispatch looks at some common mistakes when filing for Social Security Disability and some tips for how to avoid making these mistakes. One of the first tings you can do to avoid making mistakes is be prepared.
The more relevant information your gather prior to beginning the process, the easier it will be to complete and submit your application for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Having an incomplete application or mistakes in the paperwork is just about the quickest way to get your application rejected. Reviewers at the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) generally have a no tolerance policy and will reject any applicants for even the slightest mistakes. This may not seem fair, and that’s because it’s not fair, but that is often the reality of how the application process works.
As part of your preparation process, getting a complete record of past employment history is one of the most important things you can do. Essentially, there are two things you need to prove in order to get Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. First, you must prove that you have worked long enough to qualify for the program. The second thing you must do is to prove that you are disabled and cannot work in any capacity for any period of time in any type of job. While it may seem strange, a diesel train engineer who makes over $25 per hour who becomes injured may be told he can work as a grocery bagging assistant for two hours a day with frequent breaks and is therefore not disabled. This is not some kind of extreme example – it happens all the time.
One issue that comes up frequently is gaps in employment record and the relevancy of your work history. When deciding whether to approve an application, the claims examiner looks at your recent work history and your age and assigns a level of medical-vocational allowance. This is the same as when they use the term residual functioning capacity (RFC).
Having problems with your work history is only one of various problems that could cause your application to be denied. If you live in Boston and are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you should speak with an experienced SSDI attorney as early in the process as possible. It is much easier for your attorney to get things right from the beginning than it is to go back and try to correct mistakes that have already been made. This is not to say if you filed your application without the assistance of an experienced disability, you should not call an attorney to take over the process. It is often rarely too late to get help.
If you or a loved one is seeking Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in Boston, call for a free and confidential appointment at (617) 777-7777.
Additional Resources:
Social Security Disability Insurance: Top Mistakes To Avoid When You Apply, October 13, 2015, The Global Dispatch
More Blog Entries:
Rand Paul Says Many Receiving SSDI Benefits Gaming System, Jan. 27, 2015, Boston Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyer Blog