You’ve found yourself in the unfortunate position of being unable to work because of your health. The bills are starting to pile up, and with no steady income stream, you’re worried about how you’ll cope.
One option that may be open to you is to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Gaining access to these payments can help alleviate some of the financial strain you are under, but these claims can be tricky to navigate. Outlined below are some common reasons why SSD claims are denied.
Errors with the paperwork
To qualify for SSD benefits, you’re first going to need to fill out a number of forms. As with any legal document, it’s vital that information is filled out accurately without any gaps.
Often, individuals attempt to make claims without any legal assistance, which means that errors are more likely. Errors in filling out the relevant forms can set your claim back and could even mean that you need to start the process again from scratch.
Lack of medical evidence
It’s important that you gather as much evidence as possible about your condition. The best way to do this is to present medical reports from the doctor. These can show how your condition affects your ability to work as well as how long your expected recovery time will be.
You’ll also be expected to follow any recommended treatment plans to show that you’re trying to get better if possible. A failure to gather medical evidence or follow prescribed treatment plans could see your application rejected.
Seeking legal guidance can make your SSD claim go much more smoothly. Even if you are denied in the first instance, it’s important not to panic as you most likely have a route of appeal open to you.