As a practicing disability advocate for decades, I've seen a lot of successful and unsuccessful attempts to get SSDI benefits. These have taught me a lot about how to win Social Security disability benefits. Here is some useful advice if you plan to go up against the Social Security Administration:
1). Submit everything on time. When Social Security (SSA) sends you a form, fill it out and return it right away. It won't go away if you ignore it.
2) Have your medical treatment current before you file. SSA bases their decisions primarily on what's in your medical records. If possible, see specialists for your medical problems. Try to get any recommended X-rays, MRIs or other tests to document your impairment(s). See your doctors regularly. Follow medical advice.
(3) Keep your medical records updated during the process. You will continue to get treatment after your application is filed, so make Social Security aware of recent treatment.
4) Don't draw unemployment benefits during the period you are asking for disability pay. Unemployment benefits will usually reduce or eliminate disability benefits.
5) Be careful about working after you file for disability. There are limits on how much you can work and still be eligible for SSDI benefits. In 2021, wages of at least $1,310 per month is disqualifying. In 2020, that amount was $1,260 per month. This refers to gross wages or self-employment income.
6) Don't expect to win just by filing an application. Unfortunately, the application process is a "weeding out process." It denies almost 80 percent of applications. The good new is--a denial is NOT the end of the process. It's really the beginning. Appeal any denial within the time limit of 60 days. If denied, appeal again. You want to keep appealing until you end up before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for a hearing. The HEARING is where a majority of disability claims get approved and paid.
7) Last, but by no means least, get a disability advocate or attorney involved, certainly when you begin the appeal process. It's a complex and difficult set of tasks that begs for professional judgment. While you are not required to obtain representation, most judges will recommend it. Also, national data shows that you are at least twice as likely to be approved with representation, as opposed to no representation.
Check for an advocate/attorney in your area who has a high rating from his or her clients. Many internet providers, like Google, allow individuals to post reviews about their experience with disability representatives. This may be a good starting place.
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