The application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be much more imposing and challenging than many people anticipate. The Social Security Administration (SSA) places specific requirements and restrictions on applicants that are important for people to understand, as the timing of the application can also be critical.

Attempts to rush through applications can often have disastrous results, including possible delays or even denials of benefits. Anybody who is seeking to ensure that his or her disability benefits application satisfies all requirements will want to make sure to retain legal counsel.

Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP assists clients with long-term disability claims and has offices in Philadelphia and Delaware. Call (215) 858-8440 right now to schedule a free consultation.

Common Mistakes with SSDI Applications

Several people are guilty of making the same mistakes as countless others before them. Some of the most frequent errors that happen with disability claims include:

• Filing Too Soon — Some people file SSDI claims while they are still working, an almost certain rejection since disability benefits are awarded only to people who have proven an inability to return to work. One major consideration that cannot be ignored is that an applicant will have to show that his or her disability will keep him or her out of work for 12 months or longer. It can be challenging for some people to provide sufficient medical evidence of such a forecast when claims are filed too early.

• Placing Too Much Faith in Consultative Examination — The SSA typically requires applicants to undergo consultative examinations performed by physicians of its choosing. The doctor is usually a third party there to provide an independent opinion of your medical condition. Many SSDI applicants assume that appearances at these appointments equate to proving disabling conditions, but physicians following these exams rarely draw such conclusions. A person should consult with an attorney before attending any consultative examination.

• Failure to Follow Prescribed Medical Treatment — Whatever treatment regimen a doctor prescribes for a victim needs to be followed, as failure to abide by the prescribed terms adversely impacts disability benefits claims. A doctor cannot say that a patient is not showing signs of improvement if he or she fails to obey the prescribed treatment. As a result, disability claims are also denied.

• Filing a New Claim Instead of Appealing — Too many people respond to initial denials by filing new claims. The error can end up being a very costly one because filing a new claim instead of appealing runs the risk of resetting an applicant’s protective filing date. If your claim has been denied, your next phone call should be to a disability benefits lawyer.

Find a Long-Term Disability Insurance Attorney in Pennsylvania

If you or your loved one need any assistance completing your application to obtain disability benefits, make sure you retain legal counsel as soon as possible. Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP helps people all over the greater Philadelphia area.

Our firm can review your case and discuss all of your legal options as soon as you call (215) 858-8440 or contact us online to receive a free consultation.