What are Social Security Disability claimants doing wrong?
1. Not filing an appeal
You only have sixty days to appeal a Social Security Disability denial in Missouri. You have only sixty days to file for reconsideration in Arkansas and Oklahoma. When your reconsideration is denied you only have sixty days to file your appeal as well.
If you miss any of these sixty day deadlines, then you have to file a new initial claim and start the process all over. This can cost you money in a lot of ways, but most importantly you can wait around until you are no longer insured under the disability program leaving you with only having SSI available to you.
SSI is typically a smaller monthly check, Medicaid as opposed to Medicare and in addition to meeting the disability requirements, you must also meet the income and asset guidelines for SSI eligibility.
2. Waiting to file an initial application.
Many people that call my office think that they must be out of work for a year before they can apply for benefits; this is incorrect.
Once a claimant stops working due to health issues and they expect to be out of work for a year or longer they should apply. It is always best to file an initial application as soon as possible.
3. Telling their doctor they are doing better when they are not.
A patient with a condition that as pain that changes daily sees the doctor and tells them everything is fine or they have improved, because they just so happen to be seeing the doctor on one of their good days or they just dont want to complain. Social Security will use this agaisnt you. Instead tell them in detail how you have been feeling. Be specific as to time distace etc. By being specific and explaining to your doctor how your condition varies from day to day you can help to eliminate the phrase in your medical records that can cost you your benefits.
4. Not being truthful with their doctor.
See number 3. But also not telling your doctor about all your symptons and problems due to embarrasment etc.
5. Not heping their disability lawyer prove their case
See my earlier post on the subject.
The Krebs Law Firm LLC offers a free case evaluation if you have questions about your Social Security disability claim. Many people may be worried that they do not have the money to pay for a disability attorney, but we only handle Social Security cases on a contingent fee basis. In other words, there is no fee unless we are successful in getting you the benefits that you deserve. If you would like to speak to Jason Krebs and his staff simply call (417) 883-5886 for your free case evaluation or to discuss your appeal today! Do not delay as you only have 60 days to file your appeal or ask for a reconsideration if you live in Arkansas or Oklahoma.
