As you may know, the SSA (Social Security Administration) is a government agency. That means that applicants are sure to encounter lots of rules, red tape, quirks, and arbitrary denials. To help increase your chances of getting approved for the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits you sorely need, it might help to know what they are thinking when they request information from applicants. Read on to find out more.
When Was Your Last Day of Work?
This question is probably more important than you think. Your last day of work is your date of last insurance (DLI) and that means it's the last day you earned income that can be used to calculate your back pay and your work history (work credits) for benefits. Be 100% accurate with this date because the SSA can verify it and reject your application for wrong entries.
Why Can't You Work Anymore?
You want to provide the SSA with the medical names, when possible, of all your conditions. If you are affected by several, it pays to take the time to list them all in detail. The second part of the question applies to the work you can still do. If you are not able to do any sort of work, be ready to explain why. For example, if your condition or the medication you must take to cope with it makes you very tired all the time, that is a key factor in not being able to work at any job.
How Much Are Your Earning?
Unfortunately, any money earned since you quit your job, regardless of the nature of the work, will undoubtedly cause you problems with the SSA. Once you stop working, be prepared to earn 0 dollars until you are approved. Then, the SSA has programs that allow claimants to try to work again if they stick to the limits allowed and report all their earnings.
You Are Expected to Appeal
This issue trips up many applicants who are unaware of the way the SSA works. Almost all applicants are turned down for various reasons when they apply. The SSA has very little time to devote to contacting applicants and discussing their cases with them, so they just turn them down. However, the SSA provides everyone with the chance to discuss their case in person with a hearing officer at an appeal. The SSA goes even further, though, and approves certain lawyers to assist claimants at their appeal hearings. The lawyers have an agreement with the SSA to help claimants get benefits.
To learn more about this program, speak to a Social Security Disability lawyer right away.
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