Houston Social Security
Disability Attorney

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Photo of David Dopkin

3 common misconceptions about Social Security Disability

On Behalf of | Apr 4, 2017 | None

You went to work diligently for many years, but one day, you suffered a severe injury in a workplace accident. You receive workers’ compensation to cover your medical expenses, and you’re taking the time to recover. The problem is that you never will be the person you were before. Your injuries were too severe. Now, you’re worried about not working and whether or not you’ll qualify for Social Security Disability. There is a lot of misinformation about SSD, so it’s important to get the truth.

These are three things you may think about Social Security Disability that are common misconceptions.

1. Everyone gets rejected the first time they apply

Not everyone is rejected the first time they apply, although many people believe that they will be denied on the first application. Some people are denied for failing to fill out forms correctly or for working more than is allowed. You have a better chance of receiving an approval if you work with your attorney and guarantee all necessary information is sent with the initial application. Around 26 percent of people who apply for Social Security Disability receive it after the first application.

2. You have to be off work for a year before applying

You do have to be unable to work, but you don’t have to be off from work for a year before you can apply. The rule is that you must show that you have mental or physical impairments that will last at least 12 months or result in death. If you can show that your condition will continue for at least one year, then you can apply for Social Security Disability immediately.

3. If you have a condition not listed on an official list of disabling conditions, you won’t qualify for disability

This isn’t true. If you are suffering from a condition that isn’t on the list provided by the Social Security Administration, it doesn’t mean you can’t get Social Security Disability benefits. What it does mean is that you’ll need to take time to prove that your condition is debilitating, and you may need to provide extra information and evidence to the Social Security Administration.

Your attorney can help you apply for Social Security Disability if you’re unable to work and are suffering from a long-lasting or life-long medical condition. You may be entitled to disability payments sooner than you think.

Source: Nov. 30, -0001