Filing a Social Security Disability Claim

Rogers Office: 117 South 2nd St Rogers, AR 72756 - (888) 465-4969 Joplin Office: 2001 Empire Ave Joplin, MO 64804 - (888) 465-4969

FILING A SOCIAL SECURITY

DISABILITY CLAIM


FILING A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIM

1

Applying for Social Security benefits can be a difficult, and somewhat intimidating,

process.


It usually requires strict adherence to complex rules regarding both eligibility and the application itself.


Completing the required forms accurately can be overwhelming, or maybe even

confusing.


But completing them properly can improve your chances of being approved the first

time.


The Social Security Administration will make an initial determination based solely on the information you provide in your application.


You need a Social Security Disability attorney to help you from the start or you

may not be successful.


COMMON ERRORS IN APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

2

The statistics show that most social security disability claims are denied initially.


To be exact, approximately 65% of all claims are denied when they are first filed,

and approximately 85% are denied on appeal.


Clearly, knowing some of the common mistakes that result in denial would be

beneficial.


One important step you can take toward filing a successfully disability claim, is

consulting with a social security disability attorney before filing your initial claim.


YOU SHOULD NOT COLLECT UNEMPLOYMENT AFTER YOU APPLY

3

Most people do not realize that applying for unemployment benefits creates a serious

conflict with a claim for social security disability.


When you file for unemployment, you are required to confirm that you are ready and available for work, but you just can’t find any. However, when you file for Social Security disability, you are stating the opposite, that you are unable to perform substantial work activity for twelve months or more. As you can see, these two statements are mutually exclusive.


As such, collecting unemployment benefits is likely to jeopardize your disability

application.


WHAT YOU MUST PROVE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CLAIM

4

You are considered disabled “if you cannot do work that you did before and we decide

that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s).”


The Social Security Administration expects that your disability will last for at least one year or result in death. However, the Social Security Administration does not actually make the decision. Your Social Security Disability attorney can help you prepare your claim right the first time.


WHO DETERMINES WHETHER YOU ARE DISABLED?

5

When your disability application is submitted, your file is turned over to a

designated state office that actually reviews your medical records and any other

documentation you submit along with it.


In Arkansas, this office is called the Arkansas's Disability Determination for Social Security Administration. In Missouri, it is known as Missouri Disability Determination Services. These state agencies determine medical eligibility for Social Security disability for their residents. However, the process has been standardized throughout the country.


YOU SHOULD STOP WORKING WHILE YOUR APPLICATION IS PENDING

6

Like collecting unemployment benefits, it is better to stop working, since you are

claiming your disability prevents you from working.


If you don’t quit your job entirely, you should at least cut your hours substantially, in order to not jeopardize your eligibility for disability benefits. Social Security actually determines the amount of work you can do, while still being eligible for benefits. This is known as the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). If you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, your claim will likely be denied.


In 2016, the SGA is $1,130 for non-blind disabled applicants, and $1,820 for blind

applicants.


KEEP TRACK OF THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION

7

Once you have submitted your application for Social Security disability, there is still

more to do.


It is important that you continue to check the status of your claim regularly. There is always a chance that your paperwork could be misplaced, slip through the cracks so to speak, or the agency may neglect to inform you that your claim has been denied.


Without knowing the status of your claim, you could be waiting around for nothing, only to find out later, some action was needed, or your claim had already been

denied.


DO NOT MISS YOUR DISABILITY APPEAL DEADLINE

8

If you are one of the many applicants who are initially denied, and you plan to file an appeal, make sure you do not miss your

deadline.


Missing the deadline is always a basis for denying an application or a reconsideration

of your application.


The deadline for requesting a disability hearing in front of an administrative law

judge (ALJ) is 60 days from the date your disability claim was last denied.


CONTACT US!


If you have questions regarding Social Security Disability, or any other personal injury concerns in Arkansas or Missouri,

please contact the Cottrell Law Office for a consultation, either online or by calling us

as (800) 364-8305.

http://www.cottrelllawoffice.com/contact-us/


OR

Click to visit: www.cottrelllawoffice.com

Call us

(For a Free Consultation)

800-364-8305

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