Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides much needed financial protection to people who are no longer able to work on a full-time basis due to a disability or medical condition. Unfortunately, recovering benefits through the program can be challenging. Each year, many people miss out on benefits because they make mistakes in the claims process. Here, our Chicagoland Social Security disability attorney highlights three of the most common SSDI mistakes you need to avoid.
1. Failing to See a Doctor and Attend Follow-Up Appointments
In order to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, claimants must meet both legal and medical requirements. As an SSDI applicant, you will be required to provide evidence establishing you have a qualifying disability or a disabling medical condition. According to official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately one in every four Social Security disability applications are denied on medical grounds, meaning the SSA feels the applicant did not prove their condition.
You need strong supporting medical evidence. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in the Social Security disability claims process is setting up a bad medical record. Be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible after suffering an injury or developing a condition. Beyond that, do not skip your follow-up appointments. Finally, when you are at the doctor’s office, make sure they are aware you plan on pursuing SSDI benefits.
2. Missing Important Deadlines and Waiting Too Long to Apply
Once you know you will not be able to return to work, it is time to get ready to apply for Social Security disability benefits. If you wait too long to submit your application, you could miss out on your right to receive the full available retroactive benefits – this could cost you thousands of dollars. Act as soon as possible. If you are not sure how to get started, please call an experienced Chicagoland Social Security disability lawyer for help.
3. Not Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney for Your Appeal
If you feel comfortable with the process, you may be able to apply for and obtain Social Security disability benefits without a lawyer. However, if your claim has been denied, it is imperative you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. From the date of the decisional notice, you only have 60 days to build and submit an appeal. During this time, you need to build a strong claim that proves you are entitled to benefits – in most cases, supplemental evidence is required to overcome the SSA’s initial objections. Call a lawyer immediately.
Get Help from Our Chicagoland Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
At Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., our Illinois Social Security disability lawyer works tirelessly to help the people who need it most. To set up a free, no obligation case evaluation, please contact us right away. We handle Social Security disability claims throughout Chicagoland, including in DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties.
