How to apply for or appeal your claim for social security disability benefits comes down to preparation, diligence, and know-how.

How to apply for and win your case for social security disability benefits comes down to a few basic elements: preparation to ensure your case is complete and accurate, knowing how to navigate the ins-and-outs of how the social security administration system works, and diligence to follow up and provide what is needed when requested.

The Social Security Administration is not going to help you through the process – the truth is, they place all of the burden on you to provide all of the necessary supporting documents, records, and possible testimony to win your case. At the Initial Application stage roughly 70% of all SSDI cases are declined. 70%! Why? Simply because:

  1. your initial application creates more questions because it isn’t complete or accurate
  2. your medical records are not sent to the SSA because your doctor(s) fail to send them
  3. the Social Security Administration (SSA) is overwhelmed and deny any claim that is not perfect.

Preparation

Accurately preparing your initial application is key to a successful claim. Don’t rush through to complete the forms even though it can be overwhelming, and you just want to get it done. Make sure your responses are thorough by providing as much information as you possibly can, even though it may seem like overkill. Include medical records, your doctor’s contact information, and any other information to support your claim.

Diligence

Next, be diligent. There is a strong likelihood that the agent reviewing your case will contact your doctor(s). Follow up with your doctors to make sure they send all of the information requested in a timely manner. Also, don’t hesitate to follow up with the social security agent to see if they need any other information. Remember, don’t rely on them to proactively do what is necessary to approve your claim. You have to do the work.

Know-How

Last, is the know-how to ensure the right people have the correct and accurate supporting information from the right people to properly and fairly review your case. Get the name of the local Disability Determination Services (DDS) Agent and any additional staff who will be reviewing your case. Follow up with them consistently to ensure nothing is forgotten, delayed, or “falls through the cracks.”

Help from an Attorney Advocate

If you aren’t confident you can do this yourself, Pinnacle Disability is ready and able to help. Or, if you have already applied and your claim has been denied, we can help you appeal your case. “I can’t afford an attorney,” may be your first response. But there is great news – hiring an attorney doesn’t cost you a dime unless we win your claim. That’s right, there are no up-front costs.

The experts at Pinnacle Disability understand the complicated bureaucracy of the social security administration, and the disability claims process. We speak the language and can effectively build or appeal your case for the very best chance of winning your benefits. With Pinnacle Disability you get:

  1. Our expert legal help which takes the stress off of you
  2. A greater chance of winning your claim with your initial application

Legal representation through the appeals process if your claim is denied.
Pinnacle Disability has help hundreds of people win their SSDI claim, and we can help you! Call us at 1-800-593-7491 to get started, or complete the short information form on this page, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.