Pitfalls to avoid when filing for Social Security disability
These are easy to avoid...
Make sure if you file online, you're prepared first. Gather all of your information and then file. Don't just go online and wing it. SSA employees and your case manager at DDS will not go out of their way to research where you went to the doctor and when . If you're going to be an advocate for yourself, at least be a good one.
Ignoring correspondence mailed to you after filing your claim. If you do not respond within a certain time-frame, your case is usually denied.
Be sure and update your case manager if you change doctors, but don't call her every time you go to an appointment. Medical records are requested within years and months and these will catch all the times you saw your physician.
Complete the reports DDS sends you. Your work history and your ability to function are important to your approval or denial.
Don't be an asshole to the people making a decision on your case. Yes, dealing with the Social Security Administration can make you want to kill someone, but keep your frustration in check. SSA employees are overwhelmed. Yes, sometimes they're incredibly hateful and rude, but you can't imagine the idiots they have to deal with on an everyday basis. The only thing that makes me angry when dealing with SSA is when someone is too lazy to do their job. But, be nice.
On the other hand, don't get railroaded with bad advice. If it sounds like BS coming out of an SSA employee's mouth, it sometimes is. SSA will lie to you, and it's almost impossible to hold anyone accountable. But again, be professional and seek advice from guys like me.
Don't give up. Disability is hard, it's real hard at times. I have had to file for people sometimes three times to finally get a case approved. This means, that sometimes I have clients with me for three to five years. It's a tough world out there.
And, I can't really think of anything else right now, but if you need an experienced disability attorney give me a call: (888) 780-9125.
