Did you know that 70% of Social Security Disability applications are denied?

Do you know the six ways to get your application approved? Find out below.

1. File an application immediately.

As soon as a doctor tells you that you are unable to work, you should immediately file for benefits. Delaying your application or not filing an application at all can result in you losing your right to file for benefits because you may lose what is called “quarters of coverage”.

2. Filling out your application correctly.

The application is going to ask you information about your work history for the fifteen years prior to the date that you stopped working, your job duties, your training, and your skill level. Don’t embellish your job description, be accurate and truthful.

3. Providing the correct medical information.

The disability application is going to ask you questions about the names and addresses of the medical providers who have treated you. Make sure that you have all the correct information before you complete that application because the Social Security Administration is going to write a letter to those providers asking for your medical records. If you have given them incorrect information can do nothing but delay your Social Security Disability claim.

4. Continuing to get medical treatment.

Unfortunately, one of the reasons disability applications get denied is the lack of both current and ongoing medical treatment. It is crucial that your visit your doctor regularly. You should maintain your own record of hospital visits, doctors’ visits and medications prescribed so that you can make sure that the Social Security Administration has all your medical records.

5. Failing to document your disability application properly.

It is important that you document what medication you are taking and the side effects of your medication. It is also crucial that you document what physical problems you are having and the impact on your ability to function around your home. For example, you may have limits on how long you can stand at the kitchen sink and do dishes or walk in a grocery store. Keep detailed minutes about the physical problems that you are having in your daily life as a result of your disability. This will help convince the Social Security Administration that you have a severe impairment, one that impacts your ability to function on a daily basis.

6. Failing to appeal your claim.

If your claim has been denied, as many are, you need to appeal your denial by filing what is called a “request for reconsideration”. You need to do that within sixty days of the date of the initial denial or, unfortunately, you will have to start all over.

Studies show that hiring a disability attorney can improve your chances of getting Social Security Disability benefits.