What are the five mistakes to avoid as you prepare your Social Security disability appeal? Filing for social security benefits can be a daunting task. Making it more daunting is the high probability you will get denied.
Preliminary claims have a denial rate of 67%. However, with the right guidelines to follow, you can make filing for a disability appeal a little easier. Many people make really simple mistakes that will have them sent another denial letter.
You can change that by knowing what the most common mistakes are and what you can do to avoid them.
What You Need For Your Disability Appeal
You can find the list of what is needed on the Social Security website. You need to gather your medical information, which may include tests, medications, and a list of your doctors. Be sure you have notations of any changes to your work, medical condition, daily activities, and even education.
You also need to provide any documents to support your claim of an appeal. Just note that the online appeals process can take about an hour to complete.
Mistake 1: Not Enough Information
One of the major mistakes people make when filing an appeal is they fail to provide enough contextual information for their case.
As mentioned above, the possibility of winning an appeal is slim. The burden is on you to provide as much information to present the most ironclad case possible. Save copies of any and all medical records and submit them into the appeals process.
Mistake 2: Deadlines Are Important
If you were initially denied, filing an appeal should be of utmost importance. According to the Social Security website, you must file for an appeal within 60 days of the date of your denial.
You can send your appeal via snail mail, though we recommend going through the online appeals process, which is faster.
Mistake 3: No Doctor Support
Failing to get your doctor’s support is a major flaw for your appeals process. Reiterating mistake one, you need as much information as you can to build a solid case.
If you are in communication with your doctor, who can provide an expert opinion on your disability, it adds up to building an ironclad claim.
Mistake 4: Failure to Be Completely Honest
Lying during the appeals process can land you in serious hot water. If you are found to be withholding, fabricating, or misrepresenting information pertinent to your case, you can find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Make a mistake and you could face prosecution for fraud, which comes with either a stiff fine, jail time or both. Go over your information carefully and remember to not skip over any detail that pertains to your case.
Mistake 5: Not Consulting With A Lawyer
If you ever are in need, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Consulting with a lawyer can ease the process of filing a disability appeal, and they provide a wealth of information. We’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.