{"id":9148,"date":"2022-04-22T07:46:05","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T07:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.laportelawfirm.com\/?page_id=9148"},"modified":"2026-04-20T20:54:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T20:54:48","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.laportelawfirm.com\/es\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Preguntas frecuentes"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Social Security Disability frequently asked questions<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Social Security Disability frequently asked questions<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Videos and Ebooks<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Watch professionals guide you through the disability application or appeal journey.<\/h3>

WATCH THE VIDEOS FOR FREE<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"\"<\/figure>

Read the tips and tricks of disability attorneys to maximize your chances.<\/h3>

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOKS FOR FREE<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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800-735-3425<\/a><\/p>

Call Us, Toll Free<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Let us help you<\/p>

Book a Free Consultation<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Check my case<\/p>

Free Case Evaluation Tool<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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I have questions regarding...<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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SSDI Applications and Appeals<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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SSI Applications and Appeals<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Social Security Disability legal fees<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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SSDI Applications and Appeals<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow does Social Security define disability?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Disability is defined by Social Security law as \u201cthe inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs it true that the Social Security Administration denies everyone on the first application?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

While it is true that the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies many of the claims submitted, it is also true that you can win your case the first time you apply. The best way to achieve success the first time is to know exactly what you are doing, or retain a Social Security Disability attorney who does. LaPorte Law Firm has disability lawyers with decades of experience who can fill this role. We handle hundreds of disability claims each year, and most of them are successful the first time we try.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I win a disability case if I am young?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Many people under the age of 50 mistakenly believe that it is impossible for them to win a Social Security Disability claim. However, if you have a severe physical or mental condition that prevents you from performing basic work activities for one year or longer, you may be eligible for benefits regardless of your age. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAm I allowed to work if I am applying for Social Security benefits?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

You may be able to file for disability benefits if you are still working, but only if your monthly gross earned income is below the annual substantial gainful activity (SGA) level for that year. For example, in 2021, the SGA level was US$1,310 in gross monthly earnings, so a person earning less than this amount per month that year could have applied for benefits. It should be noted that the SGA level is US$1,350 gross earnings for 2022. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I work after I begin receiving my benefits?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

When your benefits begin, the SSA will inform you of your duty to report future work income, as it could have an effect on your benefits. As a disability beneficiary, you are entitled to a Trial Work Period where you can test your ability to work while receiving disability benefits. The amount of income you earn during your Trial Work Period and the length of your work may impact your benefit. Read our blog post on the Trial Work Period for more information<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I receive SSDI if I have money and assets?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

SSDI benefits are not based on financial need, so your assets and passive, unearned income do not impact eligibility. As long as you have earned the minimum number of quarters required and the SSA determines that you are totally disabled, you are eligible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWill SSDI replace all my lost income?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

No, SSDI can be seen as a safety net. It will pay monthly benefits to you based on the amount of money that you have already paid into the system through employment taxes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow long does it take to receive SSDI benefits?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

If your claim is approved upon the first attempt, the process should take just a few months. However, it should be noted that only approximately one-third of claims are approved on the first filing. As such, most applicants need to go through the appeal process to secure their benefits. If your claim is then approved after an appeal to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, delays of a year or more before benefit payment commences are also common. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow much will I be paying in attorney\u2019s fees?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Attorney’s fees are 25% of the first retroactive payment to you by the SSA; however, the fee is capped at US$7,200 regardless of the amount of money you are owed by the SSA. After November 30, 2024, the maximum attorney\u2019s fees are capped at $9,200. There is no ongoing fee after you win your case. Because the SSA can take several years to adjudicate a disability claim, disability claimants are often entitled to a large check for retroactive benefits for the period in which they were waiting for their claim to be decided. Our fees automatically come out of that first retroactive check, so our clients never have to pay us directly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat should I do if Social Security denies my application?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

If your application is rejected on your first attempt, as is the case for many first-time applicants, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An appeal must be filed using the proper forms within 60 days of the date of the denial decision. Your chances of winning an appeal are greatly enhanced by retaining a firm that specializes in Social Security law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf I can\u2019t afford a doctor, how can I prove my medical condition?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Medical reports are critical in proving your disability. While you can ask that the SSA provide doctors for \u201cconsultative exams,\u201d these are a poor substitute for the reports of a treating physician. If you cannot afford a doctor, you may be able to obtain treatment through a hospital clinic or county health services. If you do not know how to find these services in your area, contact us and we will try to assist in any way we can.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs it still possible to win my case if my doctor won't support my claim of disability?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Your doctor\u2019s support is not required for a disability claim, and you may still be eligible for disability benefits even if your doctor will not support your case. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat should I do if I didn\u2019t file my appeal within 60 days and still want to appeal?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

You generally have 60 days to submit an appeal after receiving a denial notice. The SSA assumes five extra days for mailing time, so the actual deadline is 65 days from the date of your decision. Under certain circumstances, however, the SSA will accept a late appeal if you have a good cause. Some reasons the SSA may consider a good cause for filing a late appeal include diminished mental capacity, hospitalization, lost mail, an incorrect address, etc. However, filing a good-cause statement for failing to meet a deadline can lead to delays in the processing of your claim. Therefore, it is important not to delay filing your appeal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat should I do if the SSA does not allow my late appeal?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

If the SSA denies your claim on the basis that you failed to meet a deadline, you have a right to file a new application. In some circumstances, you can ask the SSA to reopen a previously denied application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow much will I receive if my claim is successful?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The monthly amount you will receive depends on factors such as age, past earnings, and type of benefit. The law allows retroactive pay up to 12 months prior to the month of a disability application. To get a better idea of your situation, it is advisable to consult the SSA\u2019s benefit calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo I need a Social Security Disability Lawyer to represent me?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Although you are not required to hire a lawyer to apply for Social Security Disability, it has been statistically proven that hiring a lawyer can improve your chances of success. With the support of a legal representative who can help you navigate the complex system by helping you file your application or appeal, gathering relevant records and documentation, and preparing you for your hearing, you are more likely to be successful on your first attempt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat will happen at my Social Security Disability hearing?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The hearing is usually attended by you and your legal representative, the Administrative Law Judge, a court reporter, a vocational expert, and occasionally a medical expert. You will be sworn in to testify, and your medical evidence will be presented and documented as a written record in your case file. A medical doctor or expert is also sometimes required to testify at the hearing in addition to other witnesses that may be asked to testify on your behalf to provide evidence of certain medical conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo you have to be permanently disabled to get Social Security Disability benefits?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

No, a permanent disability is not a requirement. In fact, being disabled or expecting to be disabled for a minimum of a year or having a condition that is expected to result in death means you qualify for benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat do you mean about unfavorable facts in my file?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Unfavorable facts refer to information from medical providers that claim that you are not complying with medical recommendations and treatments, or are engaging in acts that may negatively impact your recovery (not taking medication, not attending medical appointments, abusing alcohol or drugs). Any incorrect statements you provide that are viewed as purposely misleading to Social Security are also considered unfavorable facts. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat are the reasons for being denied Social Security Disability benefits?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Social Security Disability applicants are typically denied for the following reasons:<\/p>\n

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  • Criminal convictions:<\/b> Although prior convictions do not generally affect your ability to obtain Social Security benefits, a convicted criminal will not be able obtain benefits if their disability is a direct result of an action that took place during the commission of a crime, if the disability stems from time spent in a correctional facility, they intentionally became an orphan or widow to receive benefits, or parole or probation has been violated.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Alcohol- or drug dependence-related disability:<\/b> If a drug or alcohol addiction is determined to have led to your disability, you will not be eligible for benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Lack of cooperation:<\/b> The SSA requires applicants to submit their treating doctors\u2019 medical records. Failure to comply with SSA requirements, such as not submitting your treating doctor\u2019s medical records, leads to Social Security Disability claims being denied. If you do not have a treating doctor, you may be required to undergo an examination with one of the SSA\u2019s doctors; failing to do so may result in your claim being denied.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Fraud: <\/b>Lying on an application may lead to benefits being denied as well as prosecution for fraud.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Length of disability: <\/b>A short-term disability does not meet the requirement for receiving Social Security Benefits, as the SSA requires the disability to last for at least a year or likely to result in death, with the exception being blind applicants.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t