In the course of a Social Security Disability claim, inconsistencies in oral, written and recorded statements will likely lead the administrative law judge to question the credibility of the person seeking disability benefits. If the applicant’s credibility is in doubt, the claim could be denied and a successful appeal becomes increasingly difficult. Awarding Social Security Disability benefits to a claimant largely depends on the administrative law judge trusting and believing that the disabled person’s difficulties and limitations are as debilitating as he or she has stated in their application and supporting statements.

The level of an applicant’s credibility is partially built on his or her history. The judge considers the person’s age, education, employment history, family history, medical history and any criminal history. In addition to an individual’s personal history, the judge will evaluate and review all of the recorded statements relative to the claimant’s application. Inconsistencies across statements from the doctors, employers, friends, family and Social Security personnel can result in denial of the claim. For a disabled person with medical limitations, credibility is the key to an individual’s Social Security disability benefit application being approved.

Philadelphia Social Security Disability Lawyers Help Clients Build a Strong Case

The Philadelphia Social Security Disability lawyers at Silver & Silver are dedicated to guiding clients so they don’t make mistakes when filing their claim. Our team of Disability lawyers has the knowledge to walk you through the step-by-step claims process by using the experience we have in securing benefits for disabled individuals. In our next installment of this blog series on how to have a successful claim, we will discuss how representing yourself in a Social Security Disability claim can put you at a disadvantage.

The Social Security disability lawyers at Silver & Silver have offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, serving clients throughout the Philadelphia region includingDelaware County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Berks County and Bucks County and accommodating many South Jersey communities such as Camden, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Haddonfield, Moorestown and Mt. Laurel. Call us at 800-947-4583 today to discuss your case or contact us online.

Social Security Disability lawyers usually cost you nothing upfront. The fees are set by federal law and paid only if your claim succeeds, drawn from your past-due benefits rather than money in your pocket today. By rule, the fee is 25% of your back pay or $9,200, whichever is less, and separate case costs like ordering medical records stay your responsibility. When your income has already stopped, the worry about affording help can feel as heavy as the disability itself.…

Yes. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program, so living in Camden, Vineland, or anywhere else in New Jersey doesn't change whether you qualify or how much you receive. The medical and work history standards are the same across every state, and your benefit is calculated from your own earnings record, not your ZIP code. What New Jersey does change is administrative. The state's Disability Determination Services makes the initial medical decision on your file, and if your…

A SSDI hearing is the third step in the disability claim process, after your application and a reconsideration review, and it's the first time a judge looks at your claim. This administrative law judge played no role in the earlier decisions and reviews your claim fresh, hearing testimony about how your condition limits your ability to work, often with a vocational or medical witness taking part. For people in Chester and Norristown, these hearings run through the Philadelphia area Social…

If your SSDI application is denied in Philadelphia, act quickly, because you have only 60 days to appeal, and your claim can move through up to four stages of review: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, the Appeals Council, and finally federal court. A first denial is common. Most initial applications are turned down, often for documentation or technical reasons rather than the seriousness of the condition, and many valid claims are approved on appeal. Opening that denial…