Ways to Improve Your Social Security Disability Application

Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a grueling process, especially if you already know that the majority of applications are denied the first time around. This may make it seem like getting SSDI is all about luck—getting the right person at the SSA to view your file or catching them on a good day. However, luck really doesn’t play much of a role in disability applications. In fact, there’s a lot you can do to strengthen your claim.

Personalized assistance with your SSDI application can make a big difference. Get the help you need by calling Baker & Baker at 850-433-0888.

Double-Check Your Qualifications

Before you send in your application and hang your hopes on SSDI benefits, make sure you check that you qualify for SSDI. This means verifying that you have enough work credits and that your disability allows you to receive monthly payments. The amount of work credits you need and how recent they must be is dependent on your age. If you have an account on the SSA website, you can check your eligibility directly. The “Eligibility and Earnings” tab tells you how many work credits you have.

You can use the Social Security “Blue Book” to review the requirements for your diagnosis. While you can still qualify for payments without a diagnosis from the Blue Book, doing so can require more time and effort. Verifying that you have the necessary diagnostic tests and documentation listed under your diagnosis may speed up the process.

Provide More Medical Evidence

When you look at your application, how much medical evidence do you have? You probably think you have enough or even too much. However, this is rarely the case. The Social Security Administration is extremely diligent when it comes to SSDI, and they need concrete proof that you are unable to work before they approve payments. If there is any unclear or missing information in your medical file, they won’t ask you to correct it. They’ll simply make their decision based on what you have provided, which generally means a denial letter is on the way.

Get Records from Multiple Medical Providers

One way you can strengthen your medical file is to seek out the services and input of specialized medical providers. If your diagnosis came from your primary care physician, that may not be enough for the SSA. They will likely want input from a specialist with extensive experience with your diagnosis. It’s even more beneficial if the doctor you choose has experience with SSDI applicants. They’ll know which types of tests are useful and what type of information the SSA looks for when making their decisions.

Trust a Disability Attorney with Your Application

One of the simplest ways to improve your SSDI application is to discuss it with a disability attorney in Florida. The SSA frequently changes its rules and guidelines, which makes it difficult for applicants to know exactly what they want to see in an application. If you choose to work with a disability attorney, you can feel confident that they are up to date on the latest news and changes from the SSA.

Work with an attorney who exclusively focuses on disability cases. While many attorneys do disability cases on top of their other areas of practice, you really want to work with someone who dedicates their entire workload to this field.

Your disability lawyer can help you find weak spots in your application, suggest medical evidence you may need, and ensure that you send the strongest application possible to the SSA. If your application is denied, they can help you clean up your application and get it ready for the appeals process.

Find Out How Baker & Baker Can Help with Your Disability Claim

If you’re frustrated at the disability application process and all the hoops you have to jump through, you don’t have to go through this alone. With the team at Baker & Baker, you can get the support you need as you pursue SSDI benefits. Whether you’re still applying, or you’ve gotten a denial letter, we’re ready to help you. Give us a call at 850-433-0888 or contact us online to get started.