The 5 Most Common Myths Associated with Social Security Disability Benefits

 As an attorney who has handled numerous Social Security disability cases, I often come across clients who say all types of things that are based upon wrongful assumptions about SSDI.  Not only are their beliefs mistaken, they can also adversely impact their ability to qualify for disability benefits.  Accordingly, I have compiled a list of the most common myths associated with SSDI in order to educate people as to the reality of qualifying for benefits.  These are as follows:

  1. The Social Security Administration denied my application so I should just give up.  Not true. Many times applications are denied simply due to missing information or a lapsed deadline.  Never give up.  Allow a judge to hear your case, as many SSDI applications are approved upon appeal.
  2. My doctor said I can’t work so therefore I am entitled to benefits.  False.  Unfortunately, just because your doctor says you are disabled does not mean that you meet the SSA’s disability criteria.  Specifically, even if you are impaired in some way, the SSA may determine that you can work, even if it is not the same job that you have had prior to sustaining your injury or being diagnosed with a disabling disease.  Moreover, doctors often do not know what “disabled” means for SSDI purposes nor do they understand the factors considered by the SSA in rendering this determination. While the SSA will consider a physician’s opinion as to the nature of a person’s restrictions, they will not rely upon a doctor’s conclusion that a person cannot work.    
  3. I don’t need a lawyer to help me.   Not true.  Despite the fact that lawyers are not required when applying for SSDI or appealing a denial of benefits, they can add significant value to the process.  Otherwise stated, the government is not on your side when it comes to applying for SSDI however, an attorney is, no matter what.  Moreover, an experienced SSDI attorney knows the ins and outs of the complexities associated with SSDI cases, including the applicable deadlines and requirements associated with qualifying for benefits.
  4. I don’t need to keep going to my doctor as it is clear what is wrong with me.  False.  Without current medical records and continuous medical care, the SSA may determine that you are not disabled enough to receive benefits. 
  5. I should wait to see whether my condition worsens before applying for benefits.  False.  SSDI applications who wait may not be eligible to receive benefits, even if they would have qualified but for the delay.

Don’t Wait until it is Too Late to Get the SSDI Benefits You Deserve

For more information on the above, give the Sanger Law Office a call now to learn more about your legal options, your rights and responsibilities, as well as how we can help you get the SSDI benefits that you deserve.  We at the Sanger Law Office can review your application for SSDI benefits prior to submission, assist you in submitting a request for reconsideration of a denial, or represent you in a formal appeal of an SSA denial decision.  The Sanger Law Office is centrally located in Lawrence, KS and represents those denied social security disability benefits in Kansas and Missouri.  Don’t wait.  Call the Sanger Law Office today for a free consultation at 785-979-4353.

Comments are closed.