6 Myths about Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Go into your application for disability benefits with clear expectations. Watch out for these myths:
Myth 1: You Can Just Tell Social Security about Your Health Problems and Get Approved.
They won’t just take your word for it that you can’t work. You need backup documentation that comes from other people to confirm your situation. That includes records and statements from doctors, past employers and people in your personal life who know how your medical conditions limit you.
Myth 2: If Your Impairment Is on Social Security’s List, You’ll Get Benefits.
Social Security’s listing of impairments can be a helpful guide to getting benefits for your condition. But having a diagnosis on the list isn’t enough. Your case must be so severe that you can hardly work at all. Social Security could decide, even with an impairment on the list, that you could manage your health and keep working.
Myth 3: If Your Impairment Isn’t on Social Security’s List, You Can’t Get Benefits.
Also not true. While it’s nice to have a roadmap to follow in the listing of impairments, if you have a different medical problem, you can still get disability benefits. You’ll need to show how your individual symptoms interfere with working. A doctor may rate your “residual functional capacity (RFC),” which looks at what physical and mental tasks you can perform, not matter your diagnosis.
Myth 4: You Can’t Work at all and Still Get Benefits.
Being unable to work is a key requirement for Social Security Disability benefits. But you’re allowed to work a small amount, under certain income limits, and still get benefits. You need to be careful when you apply for disability, however, because Social Security could view any work as a sign that you could work more.
Myth 5: You Should Wait Until You’ve Been Out of Work a While to Apply
As soon as you know you can’t work because of bad health, you should apply for disability benefits. You’ll have to show that your condition is likely to last at least a year. But don’t wait a year. It takes months, a year or longer, to get approved for benefits, so get the process started.
Myth 6: Once You Get Disability Benefits, You Keep them Forever.
Not exactly. Social Security Disability benefits can last a long time—until you reach retirement age and switch to retirement benefits. But you also can go off of benefits if your health improves enough that you could work. You don’t have to have a medical condition that will be a lifelong, total disability. You can have illnesses that you’ll eventually recover from.
Get more information about your own situation in a free case consultation with the Oklahoma disability lawyers at Troutman & Troutman.
Get My Free Evaluation! »
5 Myths About How Social Security Disability Works
The worst part about Social Security Disability myths is that they can make you hesitate to seek benefits that you deserve—benefits that can improve your life.
Don’t let attitudes like these stop you from getting the support you need:
Myth 1: If You’re Denied Disability Benefits, it’s Over.
A lot of people give up after they apply for Social Security Disability and get turned down. They don’t understand that most people—sometimes up to 80 percent—get denied at first. It’s normal. Appealing a denial is part of the process. And appeals are when many people finally get approved.
Myth 2: A Lot of People Trick the System to Get Benefits They Don’t Deserve.
Social Security Disability is an extremely strict program, which is why so many people get denied. Maybe you heard a story about someone cheating the system. You heard about it because it is so rare. Maybe you know someone who gets benefits but doesn’t seem too sick. There’s probably more to their struggle that you can’t see.
Myth 3: Social Security Disability Is Some Kind of Handout.
You can only get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if you worked and paid into the system, like paying for an insurance policy. You earned these benefits for when you need them. Plus, benefits don’t pay a luxurious amount of money. They can be a financial lifesaver, but they only cover basic needs.
Myth 4: Social Security Disability Covers Your Health Care.
It is true that qualifying for disability benefits makes you eligible for health care programs. With SSDI, you get eligibility for Medicare after a waiting period. With Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you get immediate access to Medicaid. Social Security Disability, however, doesn’t have health benefits of its own.
Myth 5: There’s No Need to Get Professional Help with Your Disability Claim.
You’re not required to have a disability lawyer file your claim for benefits. But it sure does help. First, your attorney makes an arduous process easier by handling the paperwork, evidence, arguments and appeals. Having a disability attorney can also increase your chances of winning benefits. And you don’t pay an attorney fee unless and until you win benefits.
To get disability benefits in Oklahoma, talk to the Troutman & Troutman Social Security Disability lawyers.
Push aside the myths and focus on what you need for a healthier, fuller, more secure life.
Wherever You Are in the Disability Benefits Process, We Can Help
You may be trying to determine if Social Security Disability benefits are right for you. You may be facing a long, complicated benefits application. Or you’ve applied and been denied. Now what? The Troutman & Troutman Oklahoma disability attorneys can help.
Disability Attorneys Answer Your Questions about Social Security
Your life has been disrupted by health problems. You’ve had to leave work. You’re worried about money. Social Security Disability benefits can provide relief, but they’re complicated. You’ve got a lot of questions. The Troutman & Troutman Tulsa disability lawyers have answers.
SSD Questions & Answers »
