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Disability Benefit Myths That New Applicants May Assume Are True

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For individuals that have long-term medical conditions or injuries, disability benefits can be a vital form of assistance. Yet, limited and inaccurate understandings about these benefits can prevent people from utilizing these important benefits when they are unable to support themselves.

Myth: There Are No Consequences For Exaggerating Your Injury Or Condition

Individuals that are applying for disability will often be tempted to exaggerate the severity of their condition. While this may seem like it would be a harmless way of improving the chances of your application being approved, it is likely to be discovered during the various medical examinations that will be conducted. If it is discovered that the applicants have been exaggerating or lying about their condition, the entire application can be rejected, the applicant may be barred from applying for these benefits in the future, and there may be a potential for criminal prosecution. As a result, individuals should always be as honest as possible throughout this process.

Myth: Applying For Disability Only Involves Submitting Forms

In order to apply for these benefits, there will be a seemingly endless number of forms that will need to be completed and submitted. However, there is more to this process than just completing these forms. There will need to be medical evaluations and hearings with a judge. These steps are needed to ensure that only individuals that truly need these benefits will be accepted. While this can seem intimidating, your attorney will be able to help make the process easier for you to understand so that your decisions will be better informed.

Myth: Disability Applications Will Be Processed Quickly If They Are Going To Be Approved

The entire process of applying for disability benefits is often much longer than applicants may have originally anticipated. While some people may go into this process assuming it will only take a few weeks, it can actually take many months before the claim will be processed. Additionally, claims are processed in the order in which they are received, which means that there may not be a way to expedite your application.

Myth: The Costs Of Applying For Disability Benefits Makes It Prohibitive To Seek These Benefits

Concerns about the costs of hiring an attorney can be another discouraging factor for pursuing disability benefits. Yet, these costs are usually fairly low as there are caps in place to limit the amount an attorney can charge clients applying for disability. Furthermore, you are unlikely to be responsible for any of the legal costs involved with applying for disability if your attorney is unable to get you approved.

For more information, reach out to a Social Security attorney


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