The Truth about Applying for Disability

If you are not working with a disability advocate, you may have some misconceptions about the process of applying for disability. Here is a list of the top disability myths and the reality behind them.

Myth: Why give the effort and all the time the application process requires, I am just going to be denied anyway.

William Jarrett, a Social Security Administration spokesperson says that this isn’t exactly true. While requirements are known to be strict and many people are not approved on their first attempt, and often even a second attempt for approval is denied, if a person is truly unable to work due to a disability, they will be approved for benefits. Throughout 2013, 33 percent of all applicants were approved by the SSA.

Myth: The income I will receive through disability benefits will be close to the amount I made while working.

Jarrett says, “Social Security disability payments are modest.” They are intended to meet only the basic needs of the recipient. The program has been designed to provide some, but not all of the individuals lost income. The average disability benefit received has been $1,165 per month since the beginning of 2015.

Myth: I will automatically qualify for benefits if my doctor says that I am disabled.

The outcome reached by the SSDI is not a medical decision, it is a legal one. This fact is often misunderstood by the individual applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Honest and precisely detailed information must be provided by a credible medical professional. The Social Security Administration will review the information the doctor has provided and go over all of the facts of the case before making their final decision.

Myth: If I want to provide myself with the best chance of being approved for Social Security benefits, the first thing that I need to do is talk to a representative.

Making an appointment and talking with your doctor is always the first step towards applying for disability benefits. Ask your doctor detailed questions and be willing to accept their answer and any advice they might offer. You want to be sure the doctor agrees that you are unable to work for at least 12 months before you go along any further with the process.

Your doctor may also suggest other methods of treatment such as physical therapy, stronger medication, or even using a wheelchair or other equipment in order to get you back to work and earning an income as quickly as possible.