Lawyers Tips for Collecting Social Security – Part 1

How To Get Approved for Social Security Disability

As experienced Social Security Disability lawyers, we have helped thousands of hardworking individuals collect the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.

Of course, every Social Security Disability case is different – and there is no substitute for the advice of an experienced Social Security lawyer! That is why our lawyers offer a FREE consultation. Call us today if you have questions about collecting your Social Security Disability benefits.

In this two part article, our lawyers will offer 10 general tips for steps you can take to make sure you are not denied the Social Security Disability benefits to which you are entitled.

1. Earn Less Than $1,130/month to Collect Social Security

If you earn too much money, the Social Security Administration will not consider you disabled and will deny your benefits.

If you earn above the income limit of $1,130 per month ($1,820/month if you are blind) – you are considered to have “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and you will not be considered disabled, and your Social Security Disability claim will be denied.

Note: this dollar figure is adjusted annually. Also, this dollar figure does NOT include any income earned from investments.

2. Show Your Disability Will Last at Least 1 Year

To qualify for Social Security Disability your illness, injury or impairment must be severe enough to last at least 12 months (and/or result in your death).

Make sure that your medical documentation and Doctor’s statements indicate that you will likely to be disabled for 12 months.

3. Prove You’re Unable to Do ANY Work for Social Security

The most common reason Social Security Disability is denied is simply because the claimant has not proven to the Social Security Administration that his/her impairment was sufficiently severe. It is up to you and your attorney to prove – through medical documentation – that your disability is so severe that you are “unable to work at any job in the national economy on a full-time basis”.

It is not enough to prove that you cannot do the type of work that you usually do. You must show that you cannot do any type of work at all.

4. Update Your Address with Social Security

It may sound like “common sense” but if the SSA can’t find you they will deny your benefits.

Unfortunately, many deserving SSD applicants are denied benefits simply because the Social Security Administration simply can’t locate them. If you move or change your address it is up to you to notify them of your new address. Be sure that the SSA is notified of any changes to your contact information.

5. Submit Medical Records in a Timely Fashion

Complete, thorough and detailed medical records are required in order to be approved for Social Security Disability. If you submit medical records that are out-of-date, incomplete or not detailed, your claim will likely be denied.

Additionally, if your Doctor is requested to submit documentation, but fails to do so, your claim can be denied. So always follow up to make sure that your health care providers submitted what they were supposed to!

Our Los Angeles Social Security Lawyers Can Help

An experienced Social Security lawyer can help you compile the medical documentation you need, and ensure that everything is submitted in a timely manner. Our SSD lawyers know what the SSA is looking for, and how to submit everything in an organized and timely manner. Call our experienced Los Angeles Social Security lawyers today for a free consultation.

CLICK HERE for Part 2 of Lawyers Tips for Collecting Social Security Disability