Social Security Disability Law: News and Facts

 5 Common Mistakes Unrepresented People Make before their Hearing: Social Security is not here to help you or help you prepare your case. They do not care if you win or lose. This is another great reason to hire a lawyer if you can. There is no upfront cost to hire a lawyer.  1. Failing to goto the doctor. Social Security will not rely on your word when determining eligibility. You may be denied because you don’t have medical evidence supporting your conditions. This can be a catch 22 situation because you don’t have medical insurance since you are unable to work due to your medical conditions.  You should apply for the Affordable Care Act or seek a free clinic in your area. Without medical records to support your condition, SSA will more than likely deny your claim. 2. Failing to provide an accurate list of all medical providers. Your application for disability benefits rests solely upon the medical evidence you are able to provide. If you do not provide SSA with an accu...

 1. Use or abuse drugs and/or alcohol The use or abuse of drugs and/or alcohol can easily result in a denial of benefits. If your drug or alcohol use is deemed to be contributing to your physical or mental limitations then you will not qualify for benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does a materiality test. This test will determine if you were to abstain from all drugs or alcohol if your conditions would continue to be as severe. If the answer is yes then your drug or alcohol use will be deemed non-material to your disability claim. However, if your drug or alcohol use is exacerbating your physical or mental conditions then your use will be material and your case denied. The best practice is to abstain from all drug and/or alcohol use. Any drug or alcohol use holds a negative connotation, which can affect your credibility with SSA. If SSA views you as a liar it will be a lot more difficult to obtain SSD benefits. 2. Be Uncooperative with SSA employees For SSA to make...