A Letter From Your Future Self on Applying for Social Security Disability and Avoiding Denial of Benefits
Imagine the weight of rejection crushing your hopes. Staring at a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you wonder where your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application went wrong. You could avoided the financial strain, the emotional toll, and the precious time lost if you had only taken the right steps. This is your chance. I am you, writing from a future where the SSA denied our SSDI claim.
But this doesn’t have to be your reality. Learn from my mistakes and hindsight as I share what I wish I had known when I was applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. Avoid these pitfalls and put your best foot forward to the SSA with Keefe Disability Law.
Review Your Basic Eligibility Before Applying
Before you even think about filling out that SSDI application, take a moment to confirm you meet the basic eligibility criteria. It's a step I rushed through, and it cost me dearly.
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Work history. Have you earned enough work credits? The Social Security Administration requires a certain number based on your age. It's not just about having worked; it's about having worked recently enough.
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Current income. Are you engaging in what the SSA calls substantial gainful activity? Are you earning too much to qualify for SSDI? In 2024, that threshold is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals.
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Medical condition. Is it severe enough to meet the SSA's definition of disability? They're looking for impairments that significantly limit your ability to work for at least 12 months or are expected to result in death.
Take the time to review these criteria carefully with a disability lawyer. The experienced eyes of Keefe Disability Law might catch potential issues you overlook.
Double-Check Your SSDI Application for Errors and Omissions
How I wish I could go back and scrutinize every line of that application! A single error, a small omission—these seemingly minor details can lead to an SSA denial of your claim.
When you're filling out your SSDI application forms, every question deserves your full attention and honest, detailed answers. Did you list all your health conditions, including secondary conditions you think might not be relevant? Trust me, they could be. Did you provide a complete work history, including part-time jobs or periods of unemployment? The SSA needs the whole picture.
Be specific and accurate with dates too. When did your condition start? When did you stop working? What were the dates for all those doctor’s visits? Accuracy matters! The SSA will scrutinize your application for inaccuracies and inconsistencies.
Gather Extensive Medical Evidence to Support Your Claim
If there's one thing I regret most, it's not providing enough medical evidence. I thought my doctor's diagnosis was enough. I was wrong.
The SSA needs more than just a diagnosis. They need a comprehensive picture of how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. This means detailed medical records, test results, and treatment history. A lack of medical evidence is the number one reason why the SSA denies disability claims.
Don't just rely on your primary care physician. Gather records from every specialist you've seen, every test you've taken, and every treatment you've tried. Include records of medications, their side effects, and how they impact your ability to function.
If you have multiple conditions, recognize that it could be their combined impairment that qualifies you for SSDI. Your lawyer can guide you on what medical evidence might best support your claim.
Ensure Your Medical Documentation Comes From Acceptable Sources
Not all medical evidence is created equal in the eyes of the SSA. I learned this harsh lesson too late.
The SSA has a list of what they consider "acceptable medical sources." These include licensed physicians, psychologists, optometrists, podiatrists, and speech-language pathologists, among others. While the information I included from my chiropractor was helpful, it was not given the same weight as evidence from these acceptable sources.
It’s not just about who provides the evidence but also what they have to say about your impairments. The SSA is looking for specific information about how your condition limits your ability to work, not just that you are “unable to work” for some unspecified reason. I wish I had known to ask my doctors to provide more detailed statements.
Keep a Detailed Disability Journal
A personal disability journal could have been my secret weapon in improving my chances for SSDI approval by proving the extent of my limitations.
Start keeping a daily log of how your condition affects you. Note your pain levels, energy levels, and any symptoms you experience. Record how long you can sit, stand, or walk before needing to rest. Document any side effects from your medications. Describe how your condition impacts your daily activities, like household chores and giving up on your hobbies.
Also, track your good days and bad days. The SSA needs to understand the unpredictable nature of many conditions. Your journal can show how even on "good" days, you're still significantly impaired.
Partner With an Experienced Disability Lawyer for Guidance
I thought I could do it myself. Realistically, my biggest regret is not seeking professional help from the start. Because I went it alone, I made many mistakes that a skilled disability lawyer would have avoided. Keefe Disability Law has years of experience helping people just like us with their SSDI claims.
The team at Keefe Disability Law helped a client earn retroactive payments for 30 months. They showed that the client’s osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis were sufficiently debilitating, even though they didn’t initially meet or equal a listed impairment.
Don't make the mistake I did. Don't wait until you've been denied to seek help. Partner with Keefe Disability Law from the beginning and trust their guidance. Remember, the choices you make today shape your tomorrow. Will you struggle through the application process alone, risking denial like I did? Or will you arm yourself with knowledge and legal guidance?
