How To Prevent Denial Of Your Social Security Benefits Application
Applying for Social Security benefits can be a difficult and time-consuming process. More than half of first-time applicants are denied benefits, often due to errors in the application form or missing documents. To improve your chances of getting an application approved, we are providing a few tips.
Make Sure You Establish Grounds For The Application
Before putting too much time and effort into the application process, make sure you have grounds for approval. There are technical requirements that must be met before an application progresses onto the medical review. For example, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires that an individual either has worked enough months in the past ten years or qualifies as a widow, widower or adult disabled child. Social Security Insurance (SSI) requires that an individual has financial need as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are working or plan to work while applying, make sure to check the rules and verify that your employment will not disqualify you.
Don’t Give Up If Your Claim Is Denied
According to Social Security Administration data, only about one-third of claims are approved with the initial application. Around 12% of first appeals are approved and the remainder requires hearings. The hearings approval rate varies by state, but the current national average is around 45%. That means that on average, more than half of the people who pursue a case after the initial denial are ultimately granted benefits.
And since denials are common, having a knowledgeable SSD attorney on your side can only bolster the odds of obtaining a successful appeal.
File As Much Information As You Can To Prove Your Case
The more information you provide to the people who are evaluating your application, the better your chances of approval. Applicants should submit all required documents promptly. In some cases, it is worth waiting to obtain documentation that helps prove your case, but keep in mind that the process takes time.
Contact Our Office For Assistance With Your Application
Getting SSD and/or SSI is not an easy process in Oregon. For people struggling with health conditions, it can be an overwhelming chore. For a free phone consultation to discuss how we can help you apply for social security benefits, call 503-505-0506 or fill out our online contact form. Having long represented individuals in Washington and Clackamas counties, I understand the attention and detail you need to file a successful Social Security Disability claim.