Ideally, Social Security Disability Insurance ensures that disabled individuals are receiving financial aid as they deal with a debilitating health condition that hinders them from doing work. This is not always the case, though, as numerous applications and appeals are denied.

Despite this, a number of applicants are willing to appeal their claims several times, in the hopes of gaining Social Security disability benefits. By doing so, they are inadvertently putting their finances at risk: every moment that a claimant is without benefits can cause medical costs to pile up quickly.

It’s important, then, to make sure your claim is solid during the initial application. Fortunately, there are several best-kept secrets that could help in strengthening your application.

Don’t Wait

Once you’ve discovered that your medical condition renders you unable to continue your work, it’s recommended to pursue your claim for disability benefits as soon as possible. Processing these claims often take a long time, and it could easily put any individual at risk of facing financial hardships the longer they are without benefits.

Ask Your Doctor

The quality of your medical evidence can either make or break your claim, so it’s best to ask for your doctor’s recommendation should you decide on pursuing for disability benefits. Basically, your doctor should support the idea of you receiving disability benefits, and they should provide comprehensive paperwork to further solidify your claim.

It’s also important to cull all medical records from every specialist you’ve seen for your condition. This is applicable for those suffering from chronic illnesses. Once you’ve collected all medical records, make sure to read through all of them and check if all these records support your claim.

Also make sure to continue visiting your doctor regularly and receive the prescribed medical treatment. This would further bolster the fact that your condition is in constant need of medical attention. As a general rule, you have little chance of getting approved for Social Security disability benefits if you haven’t seen a doctor at least once every two months.

Have Your Doctor Complete an RFC Form

RFC, or “residual functional capacity”, gives the examiners an idea on how much functional ability an applicant has despite his condition. Though this is often completed by a physician from the Disability Determination Services, it also makes sense to have your own doctor complete an RFC form as well. This provides the examiner an interpretation of the medical evidence presented by the claimant, thereby making the process go easier.

Be Honest About Your Symptoms

Disability Determination Services often rely on your medical records to determine if your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability. That said, it makes little sense to exaggerate the symptoms you’re experiencing. This could put you at risk of losing credibility, thereby hurting your chances of having your claim approved.

At the same time, never downplay your symptoms, especially if you’re dealing with a mental condition. Keep in mind that the SSA is trying to paint an accurate picture of your health, so it’s important to be as accurate as possible with your application. Make sure to be accurate in explaining how your condition is limiting or affecting your daily activities.

Work With a Lawyer

Whether you’re getting started on your application or appealing a denied claim, it’s best to work with a Social Security disability lawyer. In fact, it’s best if you list your attorney as a contact for the SSA. Since they are well-versed with the application and appeals process, they are best suited to help you increase your chances of getting approved for disability benefits.

The road to gaining disability benefits will be a hard one, so it’s best to seek professional help at the start. With help from a Social Security disability lawyer, the process will then become much easier.

Sources
Social Security Disability: Advice From a Disability Examiner, DisabilitySecrets.com
9 Useful Secrets For Filling Out The Social Security Disability Application, DisabilityGuide.com