How to Improve My Chances of Winning Disability

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

When your health forces you out of work—and you worry how you’ll pay your bills without a steady income—Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits offer hope.

The problem is, winning these benefits is tough. It’s easy to make mistakes when you apply. Most people get denied on their initial application.

At Nash Disability Law, we have decades of experience dealing with this system, so we know what you can do to improve your chances of getting disability benefits.

In fact, we’ve helped more Chicago area people get benefits than any other law firm.

Monthly disability checks could provide crucial financial security so you can focus on what’s most important—your health.

Keep reading to see our seven tips to avoid mistakes and increase your odds of being awarded life-changing disability benefits:

No. 1: Apply for Social Security Disability as Soon as You Can.

If you can’t work because of health problems, don’t wait to see if you get better before applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Apply as soon as you realize you can’t work.

It can take a long time to be approved for benefits, so it’s better to start the process now and move a step closer to getting the financial help you’ll ultimately need.

Also, when you’re eventually awarded benefits, you’ll receive a lump sum of back pay to cover the time you waited to be approved. The earlier you start, the more potential back pay you could receive.

No. 2: Make Sure You’re Applying for the Correct Program.

There are two different kinds of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, something we often see people confusing.

You need to know the proper one for you. A primer on each:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for those with a significant work history who have paid enough taxes into the Social Security system over their career.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is meant for those with limited income and work histories, including those who struggle with limiting medical conditions starting in childhood.

No. 3: Fill Out Your SSD Forms Accurately and Correctly.

Social Security’s application can feel tedious. Once you’re done, it’s understandable if you want to send it off and never look at it again.

But sadly this is a common error we see—and one that’s easy to fix. You must stop and take the time to ensure your information, from personal details to medical evidence, is presented accurately and correctly in order to win.

Nash Disability Law can help you with this.

No. 4: Use the Correct Medical Evidence.

Getting disability benefits requires you to include every piece of relevant medical evidence, so there’s no doubt you meet Social Security’s eligibility requirements.

The legal team at Nash Disability Law knows which medical records are the most important in helping the government understand your condition.

You’ll need documents like:

• Doctor’s reports
• Treatment records
• Prescription lists
• Supporting statements from family, friends and coworkers
• Hospital visit reports
• And more

No. 4: Describe Your Past Jobs Accurately.

You’re proud of what you accomplished at work, but this isn’t like applying for another job. You shouldn’t be trying to sell them on your highest level of responsibility.

For example, if you make your job sound like you mostly managed other people—even though much of your job also involved doing the hands-on work—Social Security may decide you could still do a desk job with some physical ailments.

You also shouldn’t be shy about explaining all the ways your health problems limit your ability to function. At Nash Disability Law, we can help make sure you’re not overlooking something important.

No. 5: Seek Consistent Medical Treatment.

You’ll also need to prove to Social Security that you’re doing everything in your power to combat your health problems. That means you need to go to every doctor’s appointment, take the medicine prescribed to you and generally follow any doctor’s orders.

If you lapse in getting consistent medical treatment, you may be denied disability income. Why? Because Social Security could say that if you had regular treatment, your illness would be relieved and you could remain in the workforce.

No. 7: Work with a Disability Lawyer

It can all sound overwhelming, right?

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be an incredibly difficult process when your health is already making life difficult. Appealing a denial can be even harder, especially if you’re going through it alone.

An experienced disability lawyer can help guide you through the system. Most importantly, they can give you the best chance to win. In fact, one government study found that people who had representatives with them at their disability hearings were almost three times more likely to be awarded benefits.

Many disability attorneys also only charge a contingency fee, which means you only pay for their services if you win your case. So don’t take a chance when your future is at stake.

If you’re in Chicago and need help getting disability benefits, call Nash Disability Law today.