Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can provide vital support when an illness or injury leaves you unable to work. Unfortunately, mistakes during the application process can delay your claim or lead to an SSDI denial. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Social Security Disability lawyers help injured workers in the greater NYC area get the benefits they need. Here, we discuss common errors and how to avoid them when completing your SSDI application.
Inconsistent Medical Treatment
The strength of any Social Security Disability claim depends on medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at documented diagnoses, test results, treatment notes, and physician opinions when determining whether your condition meets their definition of a disability. Gaps in treatment or a failure to follow a treatment plan make it more challenging to prove the severity and ongoing nature of your disability.
It’s important to attend all doctors’ appointments, follow medical advice, and keep records of your visits. If you’re unable to afford medical care, applying for New York State Medicaid may help.
Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
An SSDI application requires detailed information about your medical history, employment, and daily limitations. Submitting incomplete or inaccurate answers can delay your claim, undermine your credibility, and lead to an SSDI denial.
Some common oversights when filing an SSDI claim include:
- Omitting previous jobs or providing inaccurate work dates
- Failing to report unearned income, such as workers’ compensation, vacation and sick pay, non-SSA pensions, and other public benefits
- Forgetting to list all medical providers or medications
- Overstating or understating your ability to function
If the SSA notices inconsistencies, they may ask for further clarification and information or question your credibility. Having an SSDI attorney help you prepare your application allows you to avoid these common pitfalls.
Offering Vague Information About Your Condition
When completing your SSDI application, you must describe your condition in detail and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. SSDI applicants often downplay their limitations, either because they’re too proud to say how little they can do or believe it should be apparent in their medical records. However, the more detailed, specific information you provide, the better your chances of having your SSDI claim approved. Avoid vague responses and make sure to provide explanations about things such as:
- How long you can sit or stand
- How far you can walk before needing to rest
- Whether you need assistance with dressing or bathing
- How your condition impacts your memory, ability to concentrate, or your mental health
A Social Security Disability lawyer can advise you on specific language to use and how to describe your condition and its impact on your life.
Choosing the Wrong Onset Date
On an SSDI application, the onset date is the day you became unable to work due to your condition. Your SSDI eligibility and how much back pay or retroactive benefits you receive may be affected if you pick the wrong onset date.
Guessing or choosing the day you stopped working may seem like an easy fix, but the SSA looks for a solid connection between your medical condition and inability to work. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney can take a comprehensive look at your situation and help you choose an accurate onset date that’s backed by medical evidence.
Excluding Mental Health Conditions
Although mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and cognitive impairments are covered by SSDI, many applicants focus only on their physical ailments. If any of these conditions affect your ability to follow instructions, concentrate, or interact with others, they should be included in your claim. Even if your mental health condition is secondary, it’s worth mentioning, as it can strengthen your case when properly documented.
Exceeding the Income Threshold
SSDI is meant for people who cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means that, in 2025, applicants cannot earn more than $1,620 per month, or $2,700 for blind individuals. If you’re working full-time or even part-time above this threshold, your claim will likely be denied. Even if your job is modified or light duty, if you exceed this income cap the SSA may see your ability to work as evidence that you’re not eligible for SSDI.
Expecting the SSA to Gather Your Records
You must submit extensive documentation as part of the SSDI review process. It’s important to understand that if key information isn’t included, the SSA won’t chase down missing documents and may deny your claim for lack of evidence. Our Social Security Disability attorneys ensure that proof of your employment history and all medical records related to your condition are included.
If further documentation is required, our SSDI lawyers will follow up with your medical providers and submit these critical documents on your behalf. Being thorough and proactive about providing all required information from the outset can give you the best chance of being approved for SSDI benefits.
Waiting Too Long to Apply
Many people wait months or even years before filing an SSDI claim, hoping their condition will improve. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to prove that your disability meets the SSA’s strict standards, especially if you haven’t consistently sought medical care. Waiting to file a Social Security Disability claim until your condition worsens could mean missing out on months or even years of benefits you would otherwise be entitled to receive.
Failing to Appeal an SSDI Denial
More than 60% of Social Security Disability applications are initially denied. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up if you receive an SSDI denial. The best course of action is to file an appeal for reconsideration. Starting over with a new claim is not effective and can cause delays and additional denials.
There are four levels of SSDI appeals, including:
- Reconsideration
- A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- SSA Appeals Council review
- Filing a lawsuit in federal court
Each level has strict deadlines for moving onto the next step in the appeals process so it’s important to act quickly. Having an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer by your side can make the SSDI appeals process less stressful and significantly improve your chance of a successful outcome.
Trying to Manage an SSDI Claim or Appeal on Your Own
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to handle your SSDI claim without seeking legal advice. Navigating the SSA system can be complicated and overwhelming, and small missteps can come at a high cost when you’re missing out on much-needed SSDI benefits. Our Social Security Disability attorneys evaluate your case at no charge, so you really have nothing to lose.
From your initial SSDI application to your final appeal, we’re by your side through every step of the process. As native Staten Islanders, our local SSDI attorneys have longstanding relationships with nearby SSA field offices, Administrative Law Judges, and local medical providers. Our Spanish-speaking clients can rely on attorney and Partner Rolando Cubela to provide top-notch legal representation they can trust.
Contact a Staten Island Social Security Disability Lawyer to Learn More
For more than 30 years, the experienced attorneys at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, have helped injured workers and their families get the benefits they need and deserve. To schedule a free consultation with an SSDI lawyer in the greater New York City area, call 718-273-9000 or contact us today.
