Applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially as most applications for benefits are initially denied. Unfortunately, many applicants inadvertently make mistakes during the application process that make the process take longer or that reduce the chances of getting benefits. A Los Angeles disability benefits attorney can help you to avoid these costly errors.
Three Common Mistakes When Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
While every person's situation is different, three common mistakes many people make when applying for disability include:
- Applying for the wrong type of disability benefits: There are different options for getting disability income, including Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. Applying for the wrong program could mean a denial or could mean getting less benefits than you deserve.
- Not submitted a complete benefits application: The process of applying for disability benefits takes a long time. If you do not make your application as comprehensive and detailed as possible, your claim could initially be denied and you'd need to wait even longer to try to fight for benefits during the appeals process. Making sure you have a complete application -- including medical documentation showing the severity if your symptoms -- is very important.
- Not sharing information with your doctor: You need to make sure your medical records demonstrate you have specific listed symptoms associated with your condition in the Blue Book if you want to maximize the chances of getting benefits. This means you should share details about how your condition impairs you with your physician so your doctor can include documentation in your medical records about how your symptoms are limiting to your ability to work.
There could also be many additional mistakes made in the application process that adversely impact your claim for benefits. You can avoid errors and maximize the chances of submitting a claim for benefits that is approved by working with a Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney.