Will The Social Security Administration Check Your Disability?
If you become disabled, you may become entitled to Social Security Disability benefits for life. These are similar to the normal retirement benefits except they start when you become disabled rather than you reach a certain age. So is the Social Security Administration going to check your disability to make sure you're entitled to benefits?
Normal Application Process
The first place the Social Security Administration checks your eligibility for disability benefits is in the normal application process. When you apply for benefits, you need to provide a description of your disability along with medical documents. You will not receive benefits until you get approved. The application is mostly just paperwork that you and your doctor fill out. Your doctor will need to provide a medical opinion and supporting documentation that shows that you're unable to work. The hardest part of this process is making sure all of the paperwork meets the exact requirements to check each box to prove your eligibility.
Application Appeals
When you apply for Social Security Disability, there's a chance that your application could be denied. You either may not have a disability that prevents you from working, or you could have made a paperwork error. It's important to understand why you were denied. For problems with paperwork, your Social Security attorney can help you to provide updated information that fully meets the legal requirements for eligibility. If there's a question of your medical eligibility, you may need a doctor to provide further clarification of your disability. Your attorney may still need to assist with making sure the new documents from your doctor check all the boxes needed.
Observations
In limited circumstances, the Social Security Administration may also try to observe you to see if you're eligible for benefits. This is usually only when they have reason to question the information that you've provided. One step they may take is to review your social media accounts. If you're posting photos or videos of physical activities that are inconsistent with your disability, you may have your benefits revoked. In even more serious cases, the Social Security Administration may send an investigator to watch you without you knowing. Of course, there may be another explanation for your activities or they may not actually be inconsistent with your disability. You have the right to appeal any findings before adverse action is taken against you.
To learn more about how to prove your disability claim, contact a local Social Security attorney today.