Seven Frequently Seen Misconceptions People Have About Disability Cases

Unfortunately, the public holds a lot of misconceptions about disability that often discourage individuals from pursuing disability benefits.

The following are seven incorrect but frequently seen misconceptions people have about disability cases that you should be aware of if you're considering filing a disability claim.

You can't apply for benefits until you've been suffering from a disability for a certain length of time.

A popular belief lingers that an individual needs to be disabled for a year or so before they can collect benefits. However, this is not the case. You can apply simply if the symptoms and physical limitations of your injury are expected to affect you long term. 

You can't be approved for benefits if you've had issues with drug or alcohol dependence in the past.

You should not be discouraged from applying for disability benefits because you've had a documented history of problems with drugs and alcohol. If you have taken efforts to deal with drug or alcohol addiction, you can still apply for and be granted disability benefits. 

You can't have a job while you're waiting for your application to be processed.

You can continue to work when you apply for benefits and even after you're approved. However, your monthly income will be capped at $1,170 when you are receiving benefits. If you begin to earn more than this, you will be disqualified from receiving further benefit payments. 

Applications are always denied the first time they're submitted.

Many first-time disability claims are denied. However, some first-time claims are approved. A lot of denials for first-time claims occur because the paperwork was not properly filled out or all the necessary documents weren't included with the application. 

The only thing that's necessary to apply is a statement from one's doctor.

Having a statement from your document might be an important part of your application for disability benefits. However, it's not the only thing you need. You should also have some additional documents including full medical records and records of your past employment and income. 

Those who are approved have their entire income replaced.

Disability only compensates you for some of your income. The amount you receive for your claim will be calculated by the Social Security Administration and is determined through an estimation of what your average lifetime earnings should be. 

You can't be approved if you don't have a medical problem that's listed in the "Blue Book".

The "Blue Book" of the Social Security Administration lists medical conditions that put individuals on the fast track for approval for disability benefits. Many conditions are not listed in the "Blue Book", but claimants who have them are still regularly approved for disability benefits. 

To learn more or for help with your applications, contact a disability attorney in your area.