Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are designed to help people who can no longer work get by financially. However, obtaining SSD can come along with challenges, and a lot of myths exist about the process. Here is a look at some of the most common myths associated with SSD claims. 

Myth: Young people are never approved for Social Security Disability.

It is true that the younger you are, the harder it may be to get approval for SSD. However, young people can be approved for benefits; the process to get approval may just be a bit harder to do. Hiring an attorney is always recommended for filers who are younger because the process can be a bit more complex. 

Myth: Most conditions are not recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration. 

Numerous issues are recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration. A few examples of listed conditions that may be considered impairments where employability is concerned include:

  • Respiratory disorders 
  • Cardiovascular system disorders 
  • Immune system disorders
  • Cancer 

Of course, just because you have one of the recognized impairments does not always mean that it will be easy to get your benefits. Your Social Security Disability attorney can help you point out exactly what it is about your condition that should be highlighted in your claim to have the best chance of getting approved.

Myth: You have to be disabled for a certain length of time to apply for Social Security Disability. 

It is a very common myth that you have to be unable to work for at least a year before you can apply for benefits. You do not have to be disabled or unable to work for any certain period of time before you file for SSD benefits. Pretty much as soon as you become unable to work, you can go ahead and file a claim for disability with the Social Security Administration.

Myth: If you apply for Social Security Disability once and get denied, you can't apply again. 

You actually can apply for SSD benefits again even if you have applied and been denied in the past. Typically, an initial denial will mean you can appeal the decision, at which point you should have a Social Security Disability lawyer helping guide you through the process. If your appeals are denied or if you miss the time window for filing an appeal after a denial, you may have to start all over with a new claim. 

Contact a Social Security Disability lawyer for more information.

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