Do’s and Don’ts

Because of the high percentage rate of denials involved with claims for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income, it is important to take proactive steps to increase the likelihood of a claim approval. Just as important are certain things you should not do in order to decrease the likelihood of a denial. Your chances for a favorable result from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be greatly enhanced if you follow these general guidelines and enlist the services of a skilled Social Security Disability lawyer, such as one of our experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore.

Do’s:

• Submit your application as soon as possible.
• Get needed legal advice or assistance with your claim or appeal immediately.
• When denied, file an appeal immediately. Follow all deadlines.
• If you are denied, seek the assistance of a qualified attorney as soon as possible, preferably one who focuses on this field and has experience in handling the SSA.
• Keep detailed records of the medical appointments, treatment, and test results you have received, including specific information about each medical facility you have visited.
• Let your healthcare providers know that you are applying for benefits and ask them to support you in your claim.
• Take all medications prescribed and complete all treatments ordered by your healthcare practitioners.
• Where recommended, complete visits and treatments by specialists.
• Inform your healthcare providers of all symptoms and physical and mental problems, such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc., so that they can be noted, treated, and later backed up on your claim by medical evidence.
• When applying to the SSA, include all of your symptoms and medical problems. Do not omit any of these. They will substantiate your claim.

Don’ts:

• Never assume that you don’t qualify for benefits. Get legal advice from one of our attorneys if you have any doubts.
• In the face of a denial by the SSA, don’t give up. It’s a long road. Follow up by filing an appeal right away.
• If informed by someone at the SSA that you don’t qualify, don’t give up. Get experienced legal advice from our firm. We can review your case and give you complete and thorough information about how you may still qualify.
• Don’t expect the SSA to follow up by obtaining the medical evidence it needs to back up your claim. Work with an attorney who will ensure that all necessary and thorough medical documentation is provided about your symptoms and conditions up front.
• Don’t expect that anyone at the SSA will fully comprehend your symptoms or your disability. Make sure these are fully explained and clarified to your doctors or other practitioners.
• Don’t discount your anxiety or depression as a mere sideline of your disability. These conditions demand treatment on their own and will strengthen your claim.
• Never refuse any treatment, medication, testing, or care from a specialist, as that could result in the denial of your claim.

If you have any questions or concerns about your disability application or appeal, contact our firm immediately to speak to an experienced attorney.

How a Disability Benefits Attorney can help

Eric A. Shore has been providing competent legal assistance to those who have needed to submit disability claims since 1994. We have successfully helped more than 40,000 disabled individuals throughout our history. Our firm handles SSDI and SSI claims in almost every city in the country, including Philadelphia, Newark, Miami, San Francisco, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and New York. We never charge upfront fees or costs. You can afford our services because when your benefits claim is won, only then are we paid a limited fee by the SSA out of your past-due benefit funds.

Many physical or mental impairments may qualify you for disability benefits, including such conditions as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, chronic pain, cancer, muscular dystrophy, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and more. It is highly recommended that you retain an attorney to help you properly submit and manage your claim because of the complicated rules and regulations and the frequency with which they change. Our firm can help you even if you are unable to leave your home; we can handle all the details through phone calls and emails. Should your claim be denied, we can also represent you in any appeals process in your state.

Our firm is well-versed in the law and the system, and we know how to make them work for you. Start your claim with a free case consultation today by contacting the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore online or calling 1-800-CANT-WORK.