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Most Common Misconceptions About Social Security Disability (Part 1)

In this article, we want to share with you the most common misconceptions we encounter while working as a Social Security Disability Attorney in Melbourne, Florida. We see them time and time again and think it would be helpful for anyone reading this article.

Everyone is Usually Denied on Their First Application to Receive Benefits

This one we have heard a million times, especially by people who have applied and have been denied. The truth is that about 26% of applicants are approved on their first try. The reasons there is a denial rate of 74% are myriad. The most obvious being that there are limited funds and only the most clear cut cases are approved right away. Another reason is improper filing and/or failure to establish a good case.

A Doctor’s Report Will Automatically Qualify You for Disability

This is simply not the situation. A case for disability has many facets. A doctor finding you to be disabled is just one piece of the puzzle. You need to establish a history and build a case just like any other type of application you run into in life. The more evidence and material you can submit the better.

Social Security Income & Social Security Disability Insurance are the Same Thing

This is a very common one. The difference is that SSI is for folks who are disabled and do not have any work history in the last 10 years. SSDI, on the other hand, is for people who have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and have paid into the system. If they are unable to work full time or work at all, this is the program where their payments will come from.

Summary

There are many misconceptions about the programs that fall under the government’s Social Security Disability program. It may seem like splitting hairs to some people, but the details are important to know when considering applying for disability. 

This is part 1 of the series Most Common Misconceptions About Social Security Disability. In Part 2, we will further explain the most common misconceptions about Social Security Disability that we run into.