BIGGEST MISTAKES BY PEOPLE TRYING TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Getting approved for SSDI benefits is never easy.  Avoiding these mistakes can make it a lot easier, faster and better paying:

1.  Get adequate and current medical treatment.  The formal medical evidence is the most important part of your claim.  See your doctor and follow medical advice.  Get the tests your doctor advises.

2.  Stop working before you apply.  If you are working, Social Security will give you a Step 1 (right off the bat) technical denial.

3.  See if you have enough "work credits" to be covered.  Most people can apply up to 5 years after they stop working and paying into Social Security.  If your work history is skippy, you may not have as long.

4.  Don't work after you the date you claim your disability began.  This will cause you to be denied and there is no effective appeal for this.

5.  Be sure your disability is expected to last longer than 12 months.  Short term disability is not covered.

6.  Realize that the Social Security doctor will not approve you.  In most cases, the doctor that Social Security sends you to will cause a denial, not approval.

6.  Don't fail to get your own doctor's support.  Doctors have "pecking order" with Social Security.  They pay more attention to your own physician than any other doctor.  \

7.  Don't fail to get treatment by a medical specialist if you need to.  For example, a cardiologist will treat heart problems; an orthopedic specialists will help you with spine, bone or joint disorders.

8.  You must file a timely appeal.  Social Security denies about 70 percent of applications.  When denied, you only have 60 days to file an appeal.  This is a serious and strict deadline. The first appeal will usually be denied, too.  So, you file a second appeal and ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. Keep going up the chain of command.

9.  Failing to consult a Social Security specialist.  Many mistakes may be avoided if you simply take time to speak to a specialist who understands the rules and regulations of Social Security.  Someone who has handled hundreds of disability claims and appeals can help walk you through the process.  Best of all, you won't be charged a fee unless you win and collect some past due pay!  YOU DON'T PAY  IF YOU DON'T WIN.