Myths About SSDI
At one time or another, we have fallen victim to myths. When it comes to disability payments, taking myths at face value can cost us…literally. With help from a Social Security Disability (SSDI) expert, disabled individuals learn to separate truth from fiction and pursue the disability payments that they deserve. The truth is more comforting than the myths so read on to learn it.
Social Security Disability Experts Can Help!
Perhaps the most common myth is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) initially denies every disability claim it receives. The fact that approximately 70 percent of SSDI claims are initially denied may make it seem this way. However, SSA does not have a formula, regulation, or policy that causes automatic denial of an initial application. To increase the chance of approval of an initially denied claim, a disabled individual should have a Social Security disability lawyer file an appeal. Hiring one, at no up front cost, will raise your chances of winning on the first try to 90%!
On the other side of the myth spectrum are people who believe that a letter from a doctor will automatically result in SSDI approval. A physician letter will only be effective if it is objective, filled with details, and written by a doctor knowledgeable about the medical issues of the claimant. Judges do not claim to be medical professionals so they rely on medical source statements from these doctors.
Many people believe that SSDI approval takes 90 to 120 days. The truth is that approval may come in as little as one month or after as long as two years. There are no application or appeal deadlines within the federal disability program so no one can predict the length of an SSDI case. On average, decisions on initial claims and first level appeals are rendered in three or four months.
Another very popular SSDI myth involves income and employment. Most people believe that SSDI applicants are not permitted to work or earn income. People who work part-time and do not earn much money are not automatically denied disability benefits. The SSA uses the term “substantial gainful activity” as the threshold when defining disability. For 2012, this means that applicants cannot earn more than $1,010 ($1,690 if blind) per month.
People should also not assume that certain medical conditions entitle them to automatic SSDI approval. Though certain impairments are singled out by the SSA, the disability evaluation process is not automatic and approval is not guaranteed. A Social Security Disability attorney can assist individuals navigating these and other SSDI myths.
Hello, I applied for disability benefits because of severe depression on my own and i was denied. My doctor has me on medication and i cant work while on it. i work as a safety inspector for contruction company in new york and i cant do my job anymore because of this. how do i apply for a second chance?
If you have been initially denied your social security disability benefits by applying for yourself you are not alone. Almost every person that applies for disability benefits without an expert disability advocate is denied on their first application. Now that you must enter the appeal process, you need help, and you need it fast. there is a small window (30-days) for you to begin the process–don’t waste any more time. Depression wrecks lives and is a valid reason for social security disability. Contact us immediately and we will get started with a free disability evaluation. Our experts charge no up front fees, they don’t get paid unless they win your case!