There are two main categories of disability assistance in the United States. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is a government program which pays people a disability check if they have worked in their adult life and have earned a certain number of “credits”. Credits are simply a measurement to gauge how many hours/years a person has worked and paid into the system.
SSI (Social Security Income) is the plan for those who have not established a work history but still need financial assistance. There are roughly 8 million people enrolled in each program nationwide. These figures focus on disability-based benefits for people under 65. The SSA’s overall beneficiary count (including retirees) is much higher (~75 million total Social Security + SSI).
A person can file for disability online using his or her own abilities to do so. Between 20%-25% of these initial claims are approved on first attempt. People who file disability using a professional, like a disability attorney in Palm Bay, Florida for example, have double the success rate. Why is that?
The simple answer is that your average person will make mistakes during the application process. And there are many to be made. Here are the top mistakes made for those going at it on their own:
See also: Clipart:6emowvuxpcs= Lawyer
Top Mistakes People Make When Filing for Disability (SSDI or SSI) on Their Own
- Insufficient or Incomplete Medical Evidence
The SSA needs strong, current medical records showing your condition is severe, will last (or is expected to last) at least 12 months, and stops you from working. Many people submit old records, miss important test results, or fail to include specialist notes. - Incomplete or Inaccurate Application Forms
Leaving sections blank, giving vague answers, or making mistakes on the Function Report (daily activities) or Work History Report can seriously hurt your claim. - Not Following Prescribed Treatment
Skipping doctor visits, not taking prescribed medications, or ignoring recommended therapy can lead to denial. The SSA may decide your condition isn’t severe enough if you’re not treating it. - Continuing to Work or Earning Too Much
Earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit (about $1,550 per month in 2026 for non-blind individuals) can disqualify you. - Missing Deadlines
The SSA has strict deadlines for submitting paperwork or appealing denials. Missing them—even by a few days—can cause your case to be closed. - Not Listing All Impairments
Failing to mention every physical and mental condition (including pain, depression, anxiety, or side effects) hurts your claim. The SSA looks at the combined impact of all your issues. - Going It Alone Without Help
The process is complicated. People who represent themselves have a much lower success rate than those who use a disability attorney or advocate.
Other Common Mistakes
- Waiting too long to file or filing before you have enough medical evidence.
- Giving inconsistent statements across different forms or during interviews.
- Giving up after the first denial (most people get denied initially but win on appeal).
Tip: While you can file on your own, many people find the process overwhelming. Consider getting help from a disability representative—most work on a “no win, no fee” basis.
