9 Tips for Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

1. Likelihood of Success.

If (a) your physical or mental disability is severe, (b) your condition limits your activities of daily living, (c) your medical impairment will last or has lasted longer than 12 months, and (d) your doctor agrees with this assessment, you should apply for Social Security disability.

2. Irrelevant Evaluation Factors.

SSA has a strict definition of disability that ignores many real-life aspects of the job market. Difficulty finding a job, thinking that no one will hire you with your condition, believing you could not pass a job-required physical, or even knowing that the pay you would receive for the work you can do is too little to live on … all of these important real-world considerations do not matter to the Social Security Administration (SSA) when evaluating your claim for benefits.

Proof from doctors
3. Medical Evidence.

As is the case with most legal claims, what counts in disability evaluations is what you can prove. If no medical records exist to support your claim of disability, you are unlikely to be successful. SSA figures that if your medical condition is severe enough to keep you from working, then it should justify doctor visits, tests, diagnosis, and treatment.

4. Failure to Follow Treatment.

SSA expects you to try to get better. That means doing what your doctor prescribes. If you do not believe that your doctor’s recommended treatment will help, then be sure your doctor documents the treatment’s odds of success or failure.

5. Keep Good Records.

Conversely, if you do follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment, document your efforts. Without records, you are unlikely to remember the date of every doctor visit, lab test, medicine taken, and therapy received. Obtain the business cards of every doctor you see and file them. Save your pill bottles. Keep notes of your pain and other medical events.

Evidence from you
6. Symptoms vs. Diagnosis.

SSA does not expect you to be an expert on medical conditions. Even if you are, SSA would rather learn about your impairment from your doctor and your medical records. What SSA wants to receive from you are details about your symptoms. For example, how severe is your pain? Is it constant or intermittent? What aggravates your pain? What reduces it? Do you suffer from shortness of breath or fatigue? No one knows your symptoms better than you. Do your best to explain them in detail without exaggerating or minimizing. Do not omit or gloss over any lesser conditions just because you have one severe condition and several minor ones.

7. Physical Restrictions.

What can’t you do? Sit for lengthy periods? Stand and walk? Lift and carry? Bend, twist, kneel, and stoop? Manipulate objects with your hands? Social Security disability is a functional program. SSA will focus on your limitations rather than your diagnosis.

8. Effect of Symptoms and Restrictions.

How does your medical condition affect your daily activities? Tell SSA about the impact on your personal care (hygiene, dressing, bathing), errands and housework (driving, shopping, cleaning), and social functioning (hobbies, sports, interaction with friends and family).

Final Point
9. Consistency, accuracy, and honesty.

Contradictions, errors, memory lapses, and discrepancies all work to erode your credibility, and nothing will sink your claim faster than questions about your truthfulness.

Free Claim Evaluation

We accept Social Security disability cases at all stages. If you are thinking about applying, have had your application denied, or have had your Request for Reconsideration denied, please answer the questions below if you would like us to review your case.

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    TESTIMONIALS

    • I, Velma, had the good sense to have Mr. Harold Parker represent me with my Social Security disability claim. Mr. Parker and his wonderful assistant, Mrs. Miracle, helped me to complete disability forms and questionnaires. They were both consistently kind... [Read More]

      Velma
    • I want to thank you for your help in securing and helping me get Social Security Disability benefits.You and your staff especially Connie always answered our questions on the many confusing letters I received from the Social Security office. Dealing... [Read More]

      Marilyn F.
    • I was running out of strength when I found you and Connie.  You both saved my case!  Just getting through a day is hard for me.  My physical health is often unbearable. Your professionalism, sincerity, and kindness will never be forgotten. ... [Read More]

      Tammy P., client
    • I would recommend Harold Parker to anyone in need of an attorney. He is very competent, knowledgeable and friendly. His fee was reasonable and I was pleased with the outcome of my case. [Read More]

      Dwight S., Client
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