Why So Many SSDI Claims Are Denied And How To Avoid This Fate Yourself
If you are getting ready to file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), then you have likely been warned by friends or family to expect the process to take a long time and likely result in an initial denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The good news is that this does not have to be your fate!
The reality is that most claims denied by the SSA are denied due to:
- incomplete paperwork
- incomplete physician records
- lack of understanding of the process
Here is how you can avoid having issues with any of these common reasons for denial:
Denial Reason #1: Incomplete Paperwork
One of the main reasons that SSDI claims are rejected outright by the SSA is because they often arrive missing important information or signatures. To prevent this type of rejection, you should make sure that you completely fill out any forms or paperwork that is sent to you by the SSA.
SSA forms are legal documents and you are required to be truthful when filling them out. While this is not the time to sugar-coat your abilities, it is also not legal to be dishonest about your disabilities. Your goal in filling out their paperwork is to give the SSA a clear picture of your daily living situation and how it is affected by your disabilities to the point that you are unable to be gainfully employed.
Denial Reason #2: Incomplete Physician Records
Before filing your SSDI claim, you should first sit down and talk to your doctor. Ask your doctor if they believe that you are disabled and should qualify for SSDI. If your doctor agrees that your condition is disabling, then you should ask for their cooperation in dealing with the requests for medical records that will be arriving from the SSA. You should also ask your doctor if they are willing to write a physician statement to the SSA about your specific case. This single piece of paper can be the difference between an approval and a denial.
Denial Reason #3: Lack Of Understanding Of The Process
It would be wonderful if you could simply apply for SSDI and be approved if it is appropriate. However, since this just isn't the case, you are encouraged to work with a local disability attorney who understands more about exactly what the SSA is looking for in order to approve SSDI claims. Disability attorneys are the most experienced professionals who can help navigate the SSA's bureaucratic paperwork process.
Final Thoughts
Having to file for SSDI is always a stressful experience. However, you can reduce your stress during this time by ensuring that you provide the SSA with all of the information they need to approve your claim on your first filing. If necessary, you should work with a local disability attorney like Iler and Iler to ensure your quick approval.