SIX MYTHS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

DEBUNKING SIX FALSE BELIEFS ABOUT SSD BENEFITS

There are many myths about Social Security Disability benefits. We hear them every day. Most people, after filing an application for SSDI or SSI benefits, believe in some of them.

Do not fall for myths about SSD benefits. Don’t rely on the opinions of your friends or family who have never been through the five step disability process. Instead, learn the facts. By understanding how the system works, you can avoid serious mistakes.

MYTH #1 – “I’M DISABLED BECAUSE I CANNOT THE JOB I’VE DONE FOR YEARS.”

False.

This is one of the most common myths that people believe. Most people think that because they cannot return to their past job, they will automatically win SSD benefits. But the SSA does not decide disability only by looking at what you did on your old job.

Instead, the SSA looks at whether you can perform any job that exists in the national economy. It does not matter if you worked in the same field for twenty years. If the SSA finds you can adjust to new work, then they will deny your claim. Your medical evidence must show that your severe medical condition prevents you from doing all jobs.

Pro Tip: Make sure that you can prove you are not able to do any job for 40 hours a week.

MYTH #2 – “NO ONE WILL HIRE ME BECAUSE OF MY DISABILITY. THEREFORE, I WILL WIN BENEFITS.”

False.

The SSA does not consider whether employers will actually hire you. They only evaluate whether you are physically and mentally able to do work tasks. Also, you have to be to do the work tasks for 40 hours a week. The SSA only cares about your ability to physically and mentally perform work. They do not care about hiring decisions.

You could live in a town with few jobs or face discrimination in the job market because of your disability. Sadly, those factors do not matter to the SSA. The only issue is whether your medical condition limits you so much that you cannot do substantial gainful work.

Pro Tip: Don’t tell the SSA judge that “no one will hire you” and therefore, you need disability. The SSA does not consider the hiring practices of employers. Nor do they consider how many jobs you have applied for and failed to secure.

MYTH #3 – “MY DOCTOR SAYS I’M DISABLED. THE SSA WILL BELIEVE MY DOCTOR AND PAY ME BENEFITS.”

False.

The opinion of your treating doctor is important. But it is not enough to win your case. In the past, the SSA gave more weight to the opinion of your treating doctor. Now, they refuse to do so. They say that is an issue that is for the SSA Commissioner. Which means they throw the medical opinion of your doctor in with all the other medical opinions. In short, they give the same weight to the opinion of your treating doctor as they do the opinion of a doctor who has never met you.

The SSA also looks at objective medical evidence such as test results, imaging, and treatment records. A letter from your doctor that says you are “disabled” does not guarantee approval. This is especially true if the progress notes from the doctor say you are doing fine, but the letter states you are disabled.

The SSA believes that your doctor might be biased in your favor. They often want detailed functional assessments, not just statements. But, they aren’t willing to pay for them. That is why you need medical evidence showing exactly how your condition limits your daily activities and how your symptoms prevent work.

Pro Tip:  Ask your treating doctor to write down all of your diagnosis and symptoms in your progress notes. Then, ask the doctor to write a letter to the SSA. Make sure the doctor explains why your symptoms prevent you from working.

MYTH #4: “I HAVE TO WAIT ONE YEAR BEFORE I CAN APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS.”

False.

Many people think they must wait twelve months before filing an application for SSD benefits. That is not true. The rules say that you must have a medical condition that will last, or is expected to last, at least one year. However, you do not need to wait until the year has gone by.

If your doctor expects your condition to keep you from working for longer than one year, then you should file for benefits right away. Delaying your application only delays your ability to win benefits. Early filing gives your case a better chance of moving forward.

Pro Tip: File for SSDI and SSI benefits as soon as you know that you are not going to be able to work due to your disability.

MYTH #5: “SSDI IS A GOVERNMENT HANDOUT.”

False.

SSDI benefits are not a government handout. Social Security disability benefits are part of an insurance program that workers pay for. You qualify for SSDI benefits only if you worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system. A fixed percentage of your payroll taxes are taken out of every work check and put into the Disability Insurance Trust Fund.

When you file an application for SSDI benefits, you are filing a claim for insurance benefits that you paid for with your taxes. It is not free money. It is insurance coverage you earn through years of work. That is why SSDI is very different from needs based benefits like SSI.

Pro Tip:  Don’t listen to the lies that come from politicians. They have twisted the word “entitlement” and made it sound like benefits are government handout. Political lies about SSD benefits are why this is a common myth.

You are NOT entitled to a handout. However, you ARE entitled to WHAT YOU PAY FOR. You actually have a protected interest in your SSDI benefits, because you paid for them. SSDI benefits belong to you. They can’t be taken away by the government without due process. Don’t believe in the myth that politicians are trying to feed you.

MYTH #6: “I DON’T NEED A LAWYER TO APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS.”

True.

You do not need a lawyer in order to apply for SSD benefits. Obviously, you can file your application on the Social Security website without legal help.

However, hiring a lawyer with Social Security disability experience increases your chances of approval. Without legal help, mistakes happen often. Missing forms, not enough evidence, and failing to submit information can all cause delays in your case. The best disability law firm knows how to prevent these problems.

Moreover, if your claim is denied, an SSD law firm can represent you during the appeal process. Finally, it is wise to have legal help at your SSD hearing. Lawyers can question the medical expert. They can also question the job expert.

Many people believe they can handle the SSD application process on their own without legal assistance. While this is technically true, it often leads to delays and denials.

Pro Tip: At our SSD law firm, we’ve won over 20,000 SSD claims for our clients. Our team provides the support you need to survive the process with confidence. If your claim is denied, hire the best SSD law firm to help you. Most approvals happen at hearings, where legal knowledge is critical. An attorney can present your case, question experts, and make sure the judge hears the right evidence.

HIRE THE BEST SSD LAW FIRM TO WIN BENEFITS

There are many myths about Social Security Disability benefits. Believing them can create delays and harm your chances of approval. The SSA follows strict rules that require strong medical evidence. They require proof that you cannot work in any job and they won’t accept your own statements as proof.

Debunk the myths. Do not wait too long to file your claim. Do not rely only on a note from your doctor. Finally, do not assume SSDI is a handout. It is a benefit that you paid for with every work check. If you cannot work due to a disability, then the SSA should pay you your benefits.

Most importantly, do not go through this process alone. A disability lawyer can guide you, protect your rights, and improve your chances of success. All SSD attorneys charge the exact same amount. Because the SSA controls attorney fees in SSD cases.

Therefore, hire the SSD law firm that has over 30 years of legal experience. Hire the best SSD law firm with no money up front. We offer a free review of your case. If we do not win your SSD benefits, then you do not pay an attorney fee. We are the best disability law firm. Hire us. Put our decades of experience to work for you.