Filing for disability insurance is not always a straightforward process. Facing denied disability benefits applications can be disheartening and lead people to give up. Identifying the most common disability benefits mistakes may help you avoid them yourself to increase your chances. Reach out to a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal lawyer about what your legal options might be after a denied application.

Common Disability Benefits Mistakes to Avoid 

Applying for disability benefits is often a complicated process with specific steps that can go wrong at any point. The tedious process leaves room for errors in multiple ways. When applying for disability benefits, knowing what mistakes can happen may help you avoid these mistakes yourself.

The first mistake is not being prepared and going in blind for the disability benefits interview. This can lead to a variety of other mistakes like not having the information needed and not having documents or evidence for the disability. Save time by finding out what materials are needed in advance and by starting the process online.

Not only that, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) also provides a checklist for the interview and a Medical and Job Worksheet that can be completed ahead of time. However, avoid falling into the mistake of thinking your doctor will be enough to prove your disability. Your doctor can provide medical documentation of your disability, but this will not often be enough to prove your need for benefits.

Avoid the mistake of refusing a consultative examination. Sometimes the SSA will request another medical exam by a different medical professional. Refusing to cooperate with this or other SSA requests sometimes results in denied disability benefits. Lastly, avoid the mistake of not asking questions. Use questions to clarify and make sure your disability application is on the right track.   

Ways to Increase Your Chances for Disability Benefits 

There are various ways to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits from the SSA or a private disability insurance company. For one, collect as much information as possible that will support the existence of your disability and how your disability impairs work performance. This includes documents that show:

• Disability symptoms and impairments
• Mental and physical requirements of your job
• Written details about symptoms, diagnosis, and prognosis
• Ways your disability directly impacts work abilities

Hiding information may hurt your disability claim. If the SSA finds out, this can sometimes lead to disability benefits being denied or removed. Consider contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer who can work with you to help you maximize your chances of receiving disability benefits.

A lawyer can guide you through common challenges during the disability benefits application process, including collecting evidence, defending your disability claim, and exploring options. You may not have to do this alone.

Contact Edelstein & Nelson for Legal Aid

Going through the disability benefits application process can be frustrating and confusing. You can ask a Philadelphia delayed insurance benefits attorney about your legal options if your disability benefits application is denied. Start by calling Edelstein & Nelson at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about your situation. Our experienced team of lawyers can work with you to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.