Applying for Social Security income can be quite difficult, especially when it comes to ensuring that all the documents and information are properly entered. The biggest reasons an SSI application is denied are a lack of proper documentation or mistakes made on the application itself, not necessarily because the applicant does not qualify. To minimize denials and appeals, Ally Disability will lay out some of the most common mistakes we see people make when applying for SSI benefits. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them, so that you have a better chance of getting accepted for benefits the first time you apply.
Leaving Out Medical Information
Medical information is a crucial part of applying for SSI benefits, and without proper documentation, there is a risk of denial. Because SSI benefits rely heavily on medical history and information about your conditions, medications, and other medical history, this is a crucial part of your application. Here’s a look at some of the most common mistakes we see for leaving out medical information:
- Not putting in your diagnosis or medical conditions
- Missing hospitalizations or surgeries
- Forgetting to list all of your physicians or specialists
- Leaving out medications or history
- Not including mental health conditions
- Providing incomplete contact information for your providers
Not Providing Complete Work History
Work history is a huge part of being accepted and also determining how much benefit you will get, once you are approved. Ultimately, your work history will help the Social Security Administration to understand your employment background and how your medical condition affects that work. This will help them decide whether your condition warrants approval. Missing employer information, incorrect employment status, leaving out job duties, and failing to explain the physical or mental load of the work are all common mistakes that we’ve seen in this section.
Underestimating Your Condition’s Effects
When it comes to looking at your condition and explaining the effects of it to the SSA, it’s important not to downplay your condition. Many applicants focus on their diagnosis itself, instead of talking about how it limits daily activities and prevents you from working. You can give specific examples in your letter to the SSA to explain more about how your condition affects your daily life.
- Limits mobility
- Trouble sitting for long periods
- Problems lifting or carrying
- Memory or concentration issues
- Difficulty with personal care or household chores
- Social and emotional limitations
- Fatigue or chronic pain
These are just a few of the specific examples that you should give if they apply to your medical condition. These descriptive explanations will help the SSA better understand why you should qualify for SSI benefits and why you can’t work to get income.
Missing Deadlines or Responses
If you are not prompt with turning in required paper applications by the set deadline, then you will not be able to continue with the application process. The SSA does not allow second chances for missed deadlines, and they work on a strict schedule to disperse benefits to those that are accepted. Additionally, not responding to notices and requests can leave you in bad standing and delay the application and approval process. Here is a list of common mistakes we see within this category:
- Ignoring mailed notices
- Missing consultative exams
- Delaying responses on document requests
- Keeping contact info up to date
- Failing to return requested forms
Providing Inaccurate Financial Information
Financial and income information is some of the most important information, besides medical information, for the SSA to process your application. The financial income that you provide is necessary for the SSI program to understand your eligibility, as it is a needs-based program. Underreporting income, forgetting to disclose assets, and reporting outdated financial information can flag your application, leading to delays or denials. Additionally, all income changes and living arrangements should be updated. Honesty and accuracy are critical to keep you in good standing for benefits, determine your true eligibility, and ensure a smooth application process.
Assuming a Diagnosis Automatically Qualifies You
Just because you have a medical diagnosis doesn’t mean that you will qualify for benefits. We see a lot of applicants think that having a certain condition will automatically result in an approval, but this isn’t the case at all. There are many functional limitations, medical evidence requirements, duration of the disability, and other information that would be considered when processing and approving your benefits request. Documentation matters more than just the diagnosis, as the SSA uses that documentation to verify what you are claiming and complete your application properly.
No Supporting Documentation
From the SSA’s perspective, they can’t take anything that you claim without documentation. This is to prove that what you are saying is accurate and that you are being truthful about the diagnosis, medical needs, and work prevention. This is something that our lawyers help all of our applicants with, because we know that there are a variety of documents that the SSA will need. Here’s a list of some of the supporting documents that you may need for your application:
- Medical records
- Test results
- Physician statements
- Treatment notes
- Therapy or counseling records
- Employment documentation
- Prescriptions and medical history
Not Seeking Help If The Process Is Overwhelming
The process for applying for SSI benefits can be very overwhelming, especially when it comes to getting all of the necessary documents and information to process the application. If the process is overwhelming or you just need assistance with completing it, then it’s important to ask for help ahead of time. Working with a disability lawyer from Ally Disability can help ensure that your application isn’t denied because of common mistakes like the ones we have mentioned in this article. If you are trying to apply for benefits or need assistance with the process, be sure to reach out to us as soon as possible, before taking the risk of sending in an application that will be denied.
