DISABILITY APPLICATION: TIPS FOR SUCCESS
HOW TO FILL OUT YOUR DISABILITY APPLICATION
Filling out a Social Security disability application is one of the most important steps you can take when your medical condition prevents you from working. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to do it. Many people assume the process is simple. After they start the application, they find out months later that a small mistake or missing detail led to a denial. Because disability benefits can be essential for financial stability, housing, and access to medical care, it is critical to understand how to complete it properly.
A disability application is not just a form. Instead, it is a legal document that becomes the foundation of your entire SSD claim. The SSA reviews every answer you provide on your application to determine whether you meet the definition of disability under federal law. Taking the time to understand how the application works is a good idea. Knowing how the SSA reviews your application can improve your chances of approval.
We recommend hiring our SSD law firm to help you file your application. If you fill out your application properly from the beginning, then it can shorten the claims process. Also, your lawyer can make it clear to the SSA that you meet the listing under step three of the disability review process. Finally, if you do not meet a listing, then your lawyer can argue that you are disabled under the Medical Vocational Guidelines.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE SSA LOOKS FOR IN A DISABILITY CLAIM
Social Security does not award disability benefits simply because someone has a medical diagnosis. Many people are surprised to learn that even serious conditions do not automatically qualify for SSD benefits. Instead, the SSA focuses on how a condition limits your ability to work. This is why two people with the same diagnosis can receive different outcomes.
When the SSA reviews your disability application, they first evaluate whether your medical conditions prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity for at least twelve continuous months. This does not mean that you have to be off work for twelve months before you can apply for benefits. What it means is that you should not apply for SSD benefits unless you expect to be off work for twelve months. For example, if you have a broken arm or a broken foot, it should heal within a 3 month period. Therefore, the SSA will not consider it a disability. After your broken foot heals, you can return to work. The SSA does not pay benefits for minor injuries.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT TYPE OF DISABILITY APPLICATION
Many people are confused about whether they should file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both. SSDI is based on your work history and the amount of Social Security taxes you paid over time. In contrast, SSI benefits are a needs based program. That means it is for those who are disabled but also have very limited income and minimal assets. For example, under the SSI rules, an individual cannot have greater than $2000 saved in the bank or anywhere else (stocks, bonds, retirement accounts) or they do not qualify for SSI benefits.
Applying for the wrong program or misunderstanding the SSA requirements can cause delays. If you apply for SSI benefits and you have too many assets (like two cars instead of one), then the SSA will send you a technical denial in the mail. This means the denial is not about your medical condition. You don’t want to wait six months only to find out that you applied for the wrong disability benefit.
In many cases, the SSA will evaluate whether you are eligible for both programs. But you should not rely on the SSA to inform you that you filed for the wrong benefits. While you are completing the application on the SSA website, remember that the financial and work questions matter. Providing accurate income, asset, and employment information is just as important as documenting your medical conditions. Because errors on the disability application can result in technical denials even if you are disabled.
PREPARING BEFORE YOU START THE DISABILITY APPLICATION
One of the biggest mistakes people make is starting the disability application without preparation. Because the application is lengthy, you should first collect the information you need. Beginning the application without gathering information can lead to errors. These issues can raise red flags for the SSA worker who reviews your case. For example, many people don’t write down all of their medical conditions. Or, they fail to fill out their work history. These mistakes damage your claim for benefits.
Taking time to prepare allows you to provide accurate dates, correct descriptions, and a complete medical history. For example, you will need all of your doctors names, their addresses, and phone numbers. This information is important because the SSA collects your medical records. If you give them the wrong information, they won’t get your records. Without medical records you will not be able to prove you are disabled.
When Social Security compares your application to your medical records, you want your medical records to support your statements. Consistency builds credibility. Preparation also reduces your stress. Collect your medical records or tell the SSA how to collect them for you. If you don’t provide the correct information, then you will not win benefits.
EXPLAIN YOUR MEDICAL CONDITIONS CLEARLY
The medical conditions section of the disability application is one of the most important parts of your application. Unfortunately, this is where many people weaken their case. The reason they make a mistake on this section it that they often only list one medical condition. Usually it is the one that is bothering them the most. For example, many people will claim they have pain, but they don’t state the reason for the pain. If your feet are numb and you have neuropathy, then ask yourself why you have the pain. Is it due to Diabetes Type II? If so, then don’t forget to list your main diagnosis on your disability application. Social Security needs a full picture of all physical and mental conditions that impact your ability to function.
The SSA also needs to know all of your medical conditions. If you have had a stroke, then you might focus your application on your stroke symptoms. But don’t forget your other medical issues. If you have had a stroke, for example, then you probably also have high blood pressure. Therefore, write high blood pressure on the list. High cholesterol, vision problems, and mental disorders all go on the list of disabilities.
The SSA can review the combination of your medical conditions to decide if you cannot work. Most people are disabled by many medical conditions. For example, you might have Diabetes Type II and obesity. The obesity may cause back and leg pain. The back and leg pain prevents you from sitting and standing. The SSA need to know all of your conditions, because a combination of issues can make your condition worse. It can also prevent you from working.
DESCRIBE ALL OF YOUR SYMPTOMS AND YOUR LIMITATIONS
The SSA is not only interested in what conditions you have, but how those conditions affect your daily life. Many people minimize their symptoms out of habit or pride. They might play down their pain and symptoms because they are used to pushing through pain or fatigue. Unfortunately, this can result in the SSA denying your claim for benefits.
When you describe your symptoms, it is important to focus on frequency and how long your symptoms last. You can do this by using examples. On your application, for example, you can state how long you can sit, stand, and walk. If you have hand problems, then you can write about not being able to type or hold a steering wheel. If you use a wheelchair, then tell them you do on your application. The same thing is true for the use of a cane or any other assistive device. Additionally, don’t forget to include your mental symptoms.
Mental symptoms can be one of the main reasons you cannot work. Pain or depression may cause problems with your ability to concentrate. Depression and anxiety may cause problems when you interact with others. You may also struggle to get to work on time because of sleep problems. Examples of your symptoms provide valuable insight into your residual functional capacity. Detailed descriptions help the SSA understand why you cannot work.
Don’t forget to include the medical conditions that impact you, even if they seem less severe. Chronic pain, mental health conditions, and sleep issues often work together to limit the ability to work. When these conditions are viewed collectively, they can demonstrate disability.
PROVIDE AN ACCURATE WORK HISTORY
Your work history plays a major role in how the SSA evaluates your claim. The SSA looks at the type of work you have done in the past five years.
For example, if you were fired from your job because you took too many breaks or missed too many days of work, then state that on your application. Perhaps your degenerative disc disease caused so much back pain, that you had to lay down in the break room for 15 minutes every two hours. This is important information for the SSA to understand. Help your case and submit a letter from your past employer that documents your extra breaks and multiple absences.
Describing the physical and mental demands of your past job is critical. If your past work required heavy lifting or constant hand use, then you need to explain it. There is a section on the disability application for your to document the physical elements of your job. It asks, for example, the heaviest weight that you had to lift on the job. If you had to lift boxes of supplies, a suitcase when you travelled, or other heavy objects, then put 50 pounds of lifting. If you were a secretary, then you probably had to lift boxes of paper. Those weight 20 pounds. Stating that you lifted nothing is a huge mistake. All jobs require lifting. An accurate work history helps the SSA understand why you cannot return to your previous employment.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE ADULT FUNCTION REPORT
The Adult Function Report is also routinely filed out incorrectly. Unfortunately, what you say on the report can impact the outcome of your disability claim. This form asks about your daily activities, personal care, and social interactions. The SSA uses this information to assess how your condition affects your ability to function at home and at work.
Most people complete the form as if they are writing a resume. For example, when asked about their hobbies, people will often write a list of hobbies that include playing tennis, hiking, or skiing. You can’t claim to be disabled by back pain and tell the SSA you love to ski. Chances are that after back surgery, you haven’t gone skiing in years. The SSA isn’t asking you to write down your hobbies because they care about what you once did. They are asking you to explain what you can do now. If you can play tennis, then you can probably work. So, the SSA will conclude you are not disabled if you write down your old hobbies.
Additionally, many people make the mistake of stating they can perform activities without explaining the difficulty involved. If tasks take longer, require breaks, or you need assistance, then those details matter. For example, if you can no longer drive a car, then tell the SSA. If you can no longer cook because you can’t stand at the stove or lift the pans, then tell the SSA. If you need help getting into the shower, then say so. Providing context helps the SSA see the difference between being able to do something with help and being able to do it daily in a work setting.
BE CAREFUL WITH DATES AND MEDICAL TIMELINES
Dates are a critical part of the disability application. Inconsistencies and mistakes can harm your credibility. The SSA closely reviews when your condition began, when you stopped working, and when you started getting medical treatment. Even small mistakes can lead to skepticism on their part. Additionally, refusing to take medication or seek treatment will usually result in a denial. You can’t win a disability claim without medical evidence. That means you have to go to the doctor.
Even if you have a medical condition that is chronic, you still need to seek treatment. For example, some people have had multiple back operations, but they still have severe pain. They state that there is nothing the doctor can do, so they stop going to the doctor. This is a mistake. You can go to treatment through pain management. Those medical records will help your case.
Make sure you give the SSA the correct address of your doctor. If you are unsure of exact dates when you say your doctor, then give your best estimate. If you have had past operations, then submit those records too. Medical records will be used to verify your dates. Make sure your treatment history strengthens your case.
REVIEW AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION ONLINE
Before you submit your disability application, review every section carefully. Once you submit your application, your statements become part of the official record. The SSA will reference your application and any forms you complete throughout the life of your claim. Errors can be difficult to correct later and may require you to appeal. Do your best to submit an accurate and complete disability application.
Take the time to review ensures that your answers are complete, accurate, and consistent. A complete application improves your chances of approval. It also reduces processing delays. Submitting a strong initial application sets the tone for how your claim will be evaluated. However, it is not the end of the world if you make a mistake. If you find a mistake after you submit your application, then write a letter to the SSA and correct it.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DISABILITY APPLICATION IS DENIED
Many people are upset when their initial disability application is denied. But, almost 90% of applications are denied. Therefore, this is a common part of the process. A denial does not mean you are not disabled. And, it certainly does not mean that you should give up. You must appeal within 60 days from the date on your denial letter. In fact, many successful claims are approved during the appeals process.
Appealing a denial allows you to submit additional evidence, clarify mistakes, and present your case fully. It is important to file your appeals on time and avoid starting a new application. Understanding your appeal rights is key to protecting your claim.
WORKING WITH OUR SSD LAW FIRM CAN IMPROVE YOUR DISABILITY APPLICATION
Disability law is complex and the Social Security system can be difficult to handle by yourself. An experienced disability attorney understands how to win your case. They will know how to present evidence in a way that meets Social Security’s legal standards. This guidance can be especially valuable for those with complex medical histories or prior denials.
Our SSD law firm does not charge an upfront. You will never pay an attorney fee cost until you win your SSD benefits. If we do not win your SSD benefits, then you do not owe an attorney fee. Hiring our law firm can reduce your stress. Also, it will increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Hiring the best SSD law firm can make the difference throughout the disability process and to the outcome of your case.
HIRE US TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR DISABILITY APPLICATION
Filling out your disability application is a serious step in protecting your financial future. It requires effort. You cannot simply list medical conditions and leave it at that. Instead, you need to tell your story in a way that demonstrates how your health prevents you from working. Taking the time to do it right improves your chances of winning benefits. You need to obtain your Social Security disability benefits to replace your income. You paid taxes for years to be able to secure disability payments if you need them. Make sure you fill out your application the proper way, so that the review process favors your claim.
If the process feels overwhelming, you are not alone. With careful preparation and legal guidance, you can submit a disability application that reflects your limitations and win your SSD benefits. Getting it right the first time can save months or even years of frustration.
The SSA benefit process can be long and complex. Hire our SSD law firm to give you legal advice and walk you through the application process. In over 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in ongoing and past due SSD benefits for our clients.
Learn about our lawyers on our About Us page. Andria Summers has spent 23 years working at our law firm. She can help you with your Medicare advantage plan. Additionally, Dianna Cannon has been helping clients win benefits for over thirty years. Ms. Cannon has decades of Federal Court experience. Brett Bunkall also has decades of legal experience helping people win their SSI and SSDI benefits. You can trust us to help you win benefits. We will do everything we can to make the process of winning SSD benefits as easy as possible for you.
