Are you thinking of applying for Social Security Disability? It can be a very complex process, and you want to make sure that you do it right. Otherwise, you risk not getting any payments. Here are some mistakes that you should be sure to avoid.
Don’t Put Off Getting a Lawyer
First, you want to get a disability lawyer. The earlier, the better. You want to locate one in your area. For example, if you live in the area, you can find disability lawyers in Greensboro. They can make sure that you’re on the right path when it comes to filing your claim.
Pay Attention to the Status of Your Claim
You don’t want to lost track of what’s going on with your claim. If too much time goes by, you could fall outside the statute of limitations and wind up not getting anything. Regularly check in and also talk with your lawyer.
Don’t Collect Unemployment
The reasoning for this is simple. If you file for unemployment, then you are indicating that you will be able to work an eight-hour day. The wording of the filing is very specific when it comes to that – you say that you are willing and able to work. Getting that and then filing for disability would make for a very mixed message.
Know The Criteria
When it comes to disability, you have to have a condition that prevents you from being able to do any kind of work. While some people are disabled, they can still work a different type of job. Make sure that you are fully disabled.
Make Sure Your Doctor Understands What Disability Is
You’re not questioning your doctor’s abilities here. The reasoning behind this is that they may use language that the people at Social Security would zero in on and then subsequently use that language to dismiss the claim.
Your doctor may say that you’re “stable,” for example. You can be stable from an injury and still be unable to work. Experienced doctors who have patients who file for disability already know what to write. They aren’t lying, they’re just being airtight with their phrasing.
Keep Up With Your Doctor’s Visits
You need to keep a trail of updated medical records when it comes to filing for disability. The people who approve or deny these have to see how the disability has affected your life and that it’s consistent. In the same vein, you need to keep up to date with these things and have them all ready to show.
File Within a Certain Amount of Time
Just like many other things that involve the government, whether local or federal, you need to meet deadlines. If you wait too long, then you risk being left with nothing. Find out those deadlines early and make sure you send everything in by then.
Having a disability lawyer guiding you can make this a lot easier for you. They will have worked with many other people who were in your situation, and they can ensure that you send in everything that will give you the best chance of getting approval. Look around and find someone who is experienced. You want someone who can navigate these waters with you.
If you do all of this, then you will give yourself the best chance of getting approved for disability and being able to get some money in the process. That will help you live your best possible life.
