If a disability or injury has left you unable to work, getting Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be vital to your financial stability and overall well-being. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two main SSD programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps those with a history of employment and social security tax contributions, while Supplemental Security Income (SSI) aims to help those with limited or no income or work history.

It’s essential, however, to avoid any mistakes when applying for either of the two programs in Georgia, as even a seemingly irrelevant error may cause delays or denials. It happens more often than not, with 62% of the total number of applications in 2024 being denied. This article outlines five major mistakes that people are likely to make when applying for SSD, plus advice on how to avoid them.

1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

Not having a complete and accurate SSD application is one of the most common reasons for denial. Some often-encountered mistakes include leaving out past workplaces, not listing all hospitals you’ve been in and all doctors who have treated you, listing incorrect dates on any past medical treatment or job, and spelling errors in names, addresses, or your Social Security number. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will likely cross-check your application with records from medical providers and tax records, which can reveal any of these errors and lead to your application being denied or delayed.

The most effective way to avoid having your application delayed or denied due to a small inaccuracy or incomplete information is to be as thorough as you can when drafting it. Take your time and list every single doctor and hospital you’ve been to, as well as any treatment or medication you were given. After writing your application, make sure you’ve thoroughly reviewed it and it’s free of any typos, inaccuracies, or missing info.

2. Insufficient Medical Documentation

Someone being approved to receive disability benefits relies on the fact that they are suffering from one or more conditions that make it impossible for them to make a living. The SSA determines whether each disability meets the necessary criteria based on objective medical evidence, so providing inadequate or insufficient information regarding your medical situation may cause them to deny your application. Not providing the right evidence may lead them to conclude that your condition may not be severe enough to meet the criteria for receiving benefits.

Some of the things you can do to avoid this situation include:

• Be thorough when gathering all medical records related to your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, from all licensed medical providers you’ve been to.
• Ask the doctors you visit to provide detailed statements regarding how your condition specifically limits your ability to perform common work-related activities, such as lifting objects, sitting in an upright position, or focusing for long periods of time.
• Make sure you gather and submit all recent medical records to help prove that your condition is ongoing.

3. Choosing the Wrong Onset Date

Your alleged onset date (AOD) is the date you mention in your SSD application as the date when your medical condition made you unable to perform your work duties. This piece of information can have a significant effect on your SSD application, as choosing a date that’s too recent may cause you to lose back benefits, while a date that’s too far in the past may not be credible, especially if you were able to work beyond that specific date.

This is why it’s essential to review all your medical records and determine the exact date when your condition became severe enough to prevent you from working. This can be challenging, especially if you suffer from a condition that’s gotten gradually worse over time, and it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when it became too severe. You can get assistance from a disability attorney to help you establish a realistic onset date.

4. Misunderstanding the Definition of Disability

The SSA has a strict definition of disability. A person who meets it is not able to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to mental or physical disabilities that are either expected to result in death, or have lasted or are expected to last for a continued period of at least 12 months. In 2025, “substantial gainful activity” refers to activities with wages of $1,620 per month for those who are not blind and $2,700 per month for legally blind individuals.

The most common way in which people misunderstand this definition is by believing that their inability to perform their current job makes them eligible for disability benefits. It doesn’t, as SSA counts you as eligible if your condition makes you unable to perform any work, not just the one you performed at your former workplace. In other words, you must be suffering from a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working any full-time job.

5. Failing to Appeal a Denial Within the Deadline

If your SSD application is denied, you have the right to appeal within a 60-day period. Failing to do so can happen for several reasons. You may be too discouraged after a denial to believe you have any chance of winning the appeal, or simply be unaware of the 60-day limit. Missing this deadline means that you may have to start a whole new SSD application. Even if you correct the issues that made the SSA reject your initial application, a new application means that you’ll likely be losing months or even years of potential disability payments.

Get Expert Help with Your SSD Application

Filing for SSD benefits can be a complicated process, and even a small mistake can trigger a denial, as showcased by the fact that almost two-thirds of applications get denied. The most effective way to make sure your application has complete and accurate information is by seeking professional help from a team of experienced disability attorneys like ours at Wilkinson & Magruder. We’ll work with you to navigate the complexities of SSD application and/or appeal, so you can get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today, either via our website or by calling us at 706.737.0771.