9 WAYS TO HELP YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM

The best thing you can do for your case is keep your medical records consistent and up to date. When Social Security (or an Administrative Law Judge) review your claim these records are what they give the most weight in their decision, so see your doctor often and keep them informed on your conditions.

It is important that you comply with the treatments that your doctors prescribe for your conditions. If you refuse to take medications or follow other prescribed methods of recovery, Social Security is likely to think that your actions are keeping your conditions from improving. By following all of your doctor's orders, you show Social Security that you are doing everything in your power to help your condition improve.

As previously said, a solid medical history is the best thing for your Social Security case. Medical records are what make up this history, and therefore it is extremely important that you inform us of when there are new records to collect. It is also important for us to know when you are going to the doctor, as we may have forms or questionnaires for your doctor to complete regarding your case.

Social Security no longer pays benefits if drugs are alcohol are a contributing factor to a disability. If your medical records show drug or alcohol abuse, your case will be denied by Social Security. If you have used drugs or alcohol in the past, it is important that the fact that you have stopped is noted in your medical records.

On Social Security paperwork it is extremely important that you describe, in detail, how your disability affects your day to day activities. For example, you would not want to fill out a report by saying "I watch TV all day," because Social Security will say "If you can sit and watch TV for 8 hours a day, you can sit and answer phones at a job for 8 hours a day." Rather, you would want to explain how long you can sit in one place before having to readjust, stand up or lay down.

Everyday Social Security denies applications for benefits because they are not able to find the applicant. If you move or change your phone number, it is important that you give the new information to Social Security. In the same regard, it is important that we know how to get a hold of you, as we may have forms you need to complete or update information on your claim. We expect to contact you every 60 to 90 days to obtain an update on your medical treatment.

Through the decision process, Social Security makes many requests of applicants. It is important that you fill out any paperwork and go to any exams that they request you to go to. If you do not, you may be denied benefits for non-compliance.

Social Security has very specific qualifications that must be adhered to in order to qualify for benefits, and a monthly earnings limit is one of the most important. When you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, this limit is called SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). For 2017 the limits are as follows: Non-Blind individual $1170, Blind Individual $1,950. If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits the amount differs depending on marital status but is generally far less.

Receiving social security benefits is a long and difficult process. We are here to help you in your fight for benefits. Denial rates are high and the majority of cases will not be resolved until an Administrative Law Judge hearing. Keep this in mind and trust that we are doing everything within our power to get you the benefits you deserve.

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