We are often asked by clients, “What can I do to ensure I have the best chance of winning my Social Security disability case?”
Many disability clients come to our office after having one, two, or even three denials. They are at their wit’s end. Many times, because they are diagnosed with a disabling condition or conditions by their doctors, people are told to file for disability benefits only to receive a denial letter. It’s very frustrating and understandably so.
When a client is denied disability benefits, it’s important to make an appeal and not start over with a new application.
Applying for disability benefits for the first time
If you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits for the first time, it’s important to make sure your application is accurate and compelling. Disability lawyer, Matthew Shupe, explains in this short one minute video how one can improve their chances of winning their disability case.
Video Transcript
There’s steps you can take to maximize the likelihood of you winning your disability case.
First and foremost, if you have a deadline you should meet it. Social Security does have time periods when it comes to appealing your case for disability benefits, returning paperwork or even keeping an appointment to see one of their doctors. Also, with your own physicians, be sure to accurately report the symptoms that you experience from your health conditions.
Equally important, is complying with the course of treatment laid out by your doctor. That means if you’re prescribed physical therapy, you attend the sessions. You take medications as prescribed and you only discontinue medications after consulting with your doctor.
And last but not least, consult with an experienced attorney who’s experienced with disability law.
Top ways to improve your chances of winning your disability case
- Meet Deadlines. If you’ve been denied, you have 60 days to make an appeal. There are deadlines for turning in paperwork as well along with keeping doctor’s appointments.
- Accurately report symptoms. Be sure to accurately report the symptoms you experience from your health condition(s).
- Comply with treatment. Be sure to comply with the course of treatment recommended by your health team. If you’re prescribed physical therapy, attend the sessions. Take your medications as directed and only discontinue medication after consulting with your doctor. Don’t have health insurance? Learn how you can apply for disability benefits without health insurance.
- Ensure your application is complete. Be sure to gather all the required information you need to make your application complete. You will need to provide extensive information of your medical records along with sharing information about your work history.
- Hire an experienced Social Security disability attorney. Filing for disability benefits can be extremely overwhelming and you are not alone in that feeling. Many clients who have navigated the disability process will tell you one of the best things you can do is hire an attorney to advocate for you and make sure your application is strong and that your case is up-to-date. An experienced disability lawyer can help with all the above and take the weight off your shoulders. Clients who hire a disability attorney have a higher likelihood of winning their case.
Filing for the first time or been denied?
If you’re considering filing for disability benefits or have been denied, call our office for a free consultation. We can explore your options to help you get the benefits you deserve. There is no fee unless we win your case!
My dad got into a car accident last month, and because of this, he lost the ability to walk, which is why we’re thinking of hiring a disability attorney that will be able to help us out. We’ll keep in mind to provide an accurate health report. I also appreciate your suggestion of complying with the various types of treatment.
Rachel, we are sorry to hear about your dad’s accident. This cannot be easy on you or your dad. We hope our blog helped with some tips for improving his chances of winning disability benefits should he go that route.
Thank you for explaining that clients have a higher likelihood of winning their case if they hire an attorney. My grandma is feeling very overwhelmed trying to take care of this by herself. It seems like a lot of her worries could be solved by hiring some professional help.
Hi Sabrina,
The process can definitely feel overwhelming. Please feel free to give your grandmother our phone number! (866) 492-2546
We work with clients throughout the U.S.
Thank you for the advice to hire a disability attorney to help with your case. It is good to know that an attorney can take some of the burdens away so you can focus on other things. My aunt is going through the social security benefits process now and she is feeling overwhelmed. I will definitely pass this advice to her and hopefully, she can find a good attorney in her area.