Tips for Getting Your Disability Claim Approved | Murfreesboro SSD Lawyer | 10 Tips To Help Get Your SSDI Claim Approved | SSD | SSDI | SSI
While applying for Social Security disability can be a long and confusing process, the expert Murfreesboro disability lawyers advertised on this site can help explain the steps you need to take to begin receiving disability checks. Additionally, we have compiled the following tips to help you along the way. Many people have their initial claim for benefits denied but are later granted benefits on appeal, particularly if they retain legal counsel. Hiring a Murfreesboro SSDI lawyer can increase your chances of winning exponentially. These tips can help you gain a clearer understanding of what it takes to file a successful disability claim for monthly Social Security disability payments.
Tips to help get your claim for disability benefits approved
1. Regularly visit a doctor.
Your medical records will prove to be the most important part of your claim for Social Security disability benefits. You should aim to have complete medical records that provide an up-to-date picture of your condition. If you cannot afford to regularly visit a doctor, there are many low-cost providers in and around the Murfreesboro area who can help you. A selection of these Murfreesboro area providers is provided, below.
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Shade Tree Clinic
Southside Family Clinic |
Middle Tennessee Medical Center
Prohealth Nashville Mission |
2. Give your medical records to your Murfreesboro Social Security lawyer.
If you provide your Murfreesboro Social Security lawyer with your medical records early in the process, he or she can look them over and let you know if any information is missing before filing your application. A good rule of thumb to follow is to have medical records that paint an up-to-date picture of your medical condition and how it prevents you from working.
3. Follow your doctor’s advice.
If your doctor is ordering a course of treatment that you are not following, it is likely the Social Security Administration will not view your application in a favorable light. This means taking your medications on time, attending physical therapy, etc. By following your doctor’s orders you demonstrate to the Social Security Administration you have taken steps to get better.
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NHC Health Care
Baptist Sports Medicine |
MTMC Life Therapies Rehab
Rutherford County Adult Actvty |
4. Do not abuse drugs or alcohol.
If you have a condition caused or worsened by drug or alcohol abuse, the Social Security Administration is unlikely to approve your claim. It is important you take care of your drug or alcohol problem before you begin the SSDI or SSI application process. If you have abused these substances in the past, you should inform your doctor that you are no longer using them and make sure he notes this on your records.
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Christian Alcohol and Drug Rehab Help
Alcohol & Drug Council |
Cumberland Heights Foundations
Alcohol Drug Rehab Nashville |
5. Ensure that your earnings fall below the SSA’s limits to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration has set limits for how much money you can make to qualify for benefits. The “Substantial Gainful Activity” monthly limit is the most important limit to keep in mind when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Currently, this limit is $1,000 of monthly income for a sighted person and $1,640 for a blind person.
6. Provide detailed answers on your SSDI application.
You need to make sure that your application for Social Security benefits paints a detailed picture of how your disability limits your ability to perform daily activities. If you retain a Murfreesboro disability attorney to represent you, he or she can help you craft your application with the right level of detail. For example, your Murfreesboro SSDI attorney could tell you to go over each hour of your day and include information about how long you are able to stand.
7. Keep in close touch with your Murfreesboro SSDI lawyer.
One common reason qualified applicants are denied benefits is the SSA has trouble finding them. Keeping in regular touch with your Murfreesboro Social Security lawyer, especially if you are moving or changing your address. This is crucial, as your Murfreesboro Social Security lawyer can only help you if he or she can find you! If you choose to file your application with the SSA directly, you should inform them promptly of any change of your address or phone number.
8. Follow directions!
Respond promptly to any inquiry from your Murfreesboro Social Security attorney or the Social Security Administration. While your claim is being evaluated, more information may be necessary to complete it. The SSA might ask you to give the agency additional records, or go to exams with SSA doctors. It is crucial that you comply with their requests in a timely manner, as if you do not, your application may for Social Security disability benefits may be denied.
9. Write to your congressman or senators.
If your application has stalled or is running into roadblocks, sending a letter to your congressman or senator might help your cause. While these officials in Washington cannot influence the outcome of your claim for Social Security benefits, they may be able to help speed the application process up, which can be crucial in a tough economic time.
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Senator Lamar Alexander |
Congressman Diane Black |
10. Don’t despair if your application is rejected.
Statistics say that up to 60 percent of first-time applications for Social Security benefits are rejected, but many people have their applications approved on appeal. Murfreesboro Social Security lawyers can navigate the daunting bureaucracy of the Social Security Administration for you and can improve your chances of having your claim approved on appeal. Visit our page on Social Security Disability Benefit Denials to learn more about how a local Murfreesboro lawyer can appeal if you are denied benefits.
Social Security Disability Attorneys Serve Murfreesboro and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Central Tennessee, including Brentwood, Centerville, Columbia, Dibrell, Franklin, Hendersonville, La Vergne, Lebanon, Lewisburg, Manchester, McMinnville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Shelbyville, areas in the vicinity of Murfreesboro Municipal Airport,and other communities in Rutherford County.
Get legal advice you can trust from a local lawyer experienced in handling social security cases. Contact one of the Murfreesboro social security attorneys advertised on this site for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.