The Social Security Disability program was set up to provide financial assistance to individuals who were unable to work and support themselves due to the physical incapacity to do so. However, the application is long and complex. Applicants that make a simple mistake can be denied or sent back to the preliminary stages of the application process. A Social Security Disability Lawyer can assist you with your claim or your appeal’s process so that you can get the benefits to which you are entitled.

A skilled Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you avoid these costly mistakes which can help you increase the probability of having a successful claim. Some of the most common mistakes are:

• Applicant continues to collect unemployment insurance while he is waiting for his application – Although you can technically collect unemployment while also applying for disability insurance, the Administrative Law Judge that may later review your case can use your acceptance of unemployment benefits as a factor that you are able-bodied and willing to perform work. This may preclude you from having your claim accepted.
• Applicant maintains employment while applying for disability – You cannot make more than the limit for Substantial Gainful Employment and qualify to receive benefits. Therefore, you may have to quit your job in order to qualify to receive Social Security Disability.
• Not hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer – Many applicants mistakenly believe that they cannot afford a competent attorney and try to complete the complex application process themselves. However, many attorneys accept these types of cases on a contingency fee so that you only have to pay them when you win your case. If your claim is not successfully approved, you do not owe attorney’s hourly rates.
• Not seeking assistance from a healthcare professional when an applicant experiences medical or emotional problems – The basis of a Social Security Disability application is that a person has a severe condition that affects his everyday life. If you have not documented your condition properly, it may be difficult for you to prove the extent of your injury or illness.
• Not describing mental conditions on the Social Security Disability application – When you complete your application, it is imperative that you list all symptoms that you have so that the physician can make an informed evaluation of your condition based on the available information.
• Not taking prescribed medication or following the doctor’s treatment plan – You must be able to prove that your disability cannot be cured by following the doctor’s treatment. If you do not follow his orders, you are counteracting this presumption.
• Not changing doctors when one is uncooperative – Some physicians are too busy to take an individual approach with their patients. If your doctor does not seem to be concerned about your health or overlooks important symptoms, it may be time to switch physicians.
• Not following up with the application – A claim can take months and even years to complete. Along the way, papers can get lost, telephone numbers can change, notes can go missing and a variety of other human or technological problems can arise. Call in regularly to check the status of your case.
• Not appealing on time – You have strict deadlines to file an appeal. Not filing in time can bar you from having your appeal heard or your claim approved.
• Not preparing for an Administrative Law Judge hearing – This proceeding is very important and usually requires the assistance of an individual who is skilled in the litigation process.

If you live in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Mobile, New York, San Francisco, Sacramento, Longview, Tyler, Nashville, New Orleans or anywhere else in the U.S. and need assistance with your Social Security disability application, contact a skilled Social Security Disability lawyer for assistance.