Navigating Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be complex, especially with several misconceptions clouding the process. If you're a Norristown resident unsure about your eligibility or the application steps, gaining clarity is essential. Misunderstandings could lead to delays or denials of the benefits you need. At Rubin & Badame, Attorneys at Law, P.C., we aim to clarify misconceptions and guide you toward securing the support you are entitled to.
Common Social Security Disability Misconceptions
Misconception #1 If My Doctor Diagnoses Me with a Disability, I Will Automatically Be Approved for Benefits
A medical diagnosis of a disability from your doctor is an important step, but it does not guarantee that you will be approved for benefits. After you submit your application, a disability examiner will carefully review all the information to determine if you meet the specific eligibility requirements set by the program.
This process involves evaluating not just your diagnosis, but also how your condition affects your ability to work. Other factors that will be accounted for include your education, age, and work experience. While having a diagnosis is a crucial part of your claim, it is only one factor among many that the examiner considers before making a final decision.
Misconception #2 All SSD Applications Are Denied the First Time
While many Social Security disability applications are denied, that doesn’t mean every application is rejected. However, certain issues frequently lead to denials by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Common reasons an application may be denied include:
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Lack of recent work credits
- Documentation mistakes
- Failure to follow medical treatment
- SSA believes you can do other work
- Missed deadlines
Working with an experienced SSD lawyer can help you avoid these common pitfalls and give your claim the best possible chance of success.
Misconception #3 Submitting a New Application Is Better Than Appealing
An application denial isn’t arbitrary, nor is it a tactic to discourage you from pursuing the benefits you need. More often than not, a denial points to specific issues in the application, such as missing medical records or mistakes in your application. Simply refiling without addressing these issues can result in another denial and unnecessary delays.
Instead, it’s crucial to understand the reason behind the initial rejection and take corrective steps. With the help of an experienced Social Security disability attorney, you can identify weaknesses in your original claim, gather stronger evidence, and submit a more compelling case. Taking the time to fix what went wrong can increase your chances of being approved.
Misconception #4 You Can't Get SSD Benefits If You Keep Working
If you’re receiving SSD benefits, you can return to work for nine months; this is referred to as a trial work period. For 2025, any month in which you earn more than $1,160 before taxes will count as one of these trial months. You can have up to nine trial work months within a rolling five-year timeframe, and these months don’t have to be back-to-back. During this period, you can earn any amount without risking a reduction in your Disability benefits.
After completing the trial work period, you enter a 36-month phase called the extended period of eligibility (EPE). During the EPE, you may continue to receive Disability payments as long as your monthly earnings do not exceed $1,620 in 2025, or $2,700 if you qualify due to blindness. If your income surpasses these limits in any month, you will not receive benefits for that month. Once the EPE concludes, regularly earning above the allowable amount can lead to the cessation of your Disability payments.
Misconception #5 You Can File Your Claim Yourself
While it is possible to file your application on your own, doing so without legal guidance is often not in your best interest. Social Security disability law is highly technical and filled with procedural requirements that can easily trip up even the most well-intentioned applicant.
Having a seasoned SSD lawyer by your side can make a profound difference in the outcome of your case. From the initial application to any necessary appeals, an experienced attorney understands what the SSA is looking for and how to present your case in the most favorable light. They can help gather and organize critical medical evidence, make sure all paperwork is complete and submitted on time, and represent you in hearings if your case is denied.
Ultimately, working with a qualified SSD attorney not only increases your chances of approval but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your claim is being handled by someone who understands the system inside and out.
Get in Touch with Our Team for Guidance
You don’t have to face the challenges of applying for Social Security disability alone. There are many Social Security disability misconceptions that can lead to confusion or mistakes in your application—but you don’t need to navigate it by yourself. Let our compassionate SSD lawyer in Norristown guide you through the process, advocate for your rights, and help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
Get in touch with our team at Rubin & Badame, Attorneys at Law, P.C. at (610) 595-4917 or message us online to learn how our Norristown SSD lawyer can guide you.