What are Common Mistakes When Apply for Disability?

By Michelle Shvarts
Principal Attorney

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is very important if you’re not able to earn a living due to having a severe disabling condition. Unfortunately, many people are denied benefits when they submit an initial application. Often, this is because the Social Security Administration makes qualifying for benefits difficult. However, you can also be denied benefits because you make mistakes when you apply.

A Los Angeles disability benefits lawyer can help you to avoid mistakes that could cause you to lose out on disability income you need. You should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to try to maximize the chances your claim for benefits will be approved.

Common Mistakes When Applying for Disability Benefits

Some of the most common mistakes that applicants make when applying for Social Security Disability income include:

  • Applying for the wrong program: One of the biggest mistakes made by candidates for Social Security disability benefits is applying for the wrong benefits program. You should apply for SSDI if you have earned a sufficient number of work credits to qualify, and apply for SSI if you have a limited household income, few assets, and haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI.
  • Failing to submit necessary medical evidence: You need to provide clear documentation that you have a qualifying condition and associated symptoms if you want to be eligible for benefits.
  • Not appealing a benefits denial: More than half of all initial benefits applications are initially denied. Appealing allows you more chances to make your case that you need benefits. If you don’t appeal by the deadline, you either won’t get benefits or will need to start the process over. 

A Los Angeles disability benefits lawyer can help you to avoid these and other errors that could cost you your chance at obtaining disability benefits. Give us a call today to find out more about how an attorney can help you. 

About the Author
Ms. Shvarts is the managing attorney for Disability Advocates Group. She opened Disability Advocates Group to assist individuals who became disabled and unable to work to obtain the benefits they need and deserve.  Ms. Shvarts and the rest of the team at Disability Advocates Group are dedicated to assisting individuals obtain Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.