What should you not say to Social Security?

Asked by: Dr. Roberto Koss II  |  Last update: December 17, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (59 votes)

Never bring up alcohol or drug use, criminal history, a family member's disability or unemployment, or similar topics unless specifically prompted. However, if the ALJ directly inquires about any of these matters, respond truthfully.

What is the most approved disability?

Overall, however, the most approved disability for Social Security is disabilities involving the musculoskeletal system and/or connective tissues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such conditions include arthritis, back pain, and lupus.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule?

The Social Security 5-year rule refers specifically to disability benefits. It requires that you must have worked five out of the last ten years immediately before your disability onset to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

What not to say to a Social Security doctor?

To best support your SSDI or SSI claim, you should never:
  • Say You Are Okay. Do not tell the doctor you are “okay,” “fine,” or “pretty good” when you are there for an assessment of your condition. ...
  • Tell Them You Are Not in Pain. ...
  • Downplay Your Condition. ...
  • Exaggerate Your Symptoms or Disabilities. ...
  • Give Your Opinion.

What disqualifies you from Social Security?

Some American workers do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Workers who don't accrue the requisite 40 credits (roughly 10 years of employment) are not eligible for Social Security. Some government and railroad employees are not eligible for Social Security.

What NOT to Say in a Social Security Hearing | The Good Law Group

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What are the four ways you can lose your Social Security?

Keep reading to learn how you could lose some or all of your Social Security benefits.
  • You Forfeit up to 30% of Your Benefits by Claiming Early. ...
  • You'll Get Less If You Claim Early and Earn Too Much Money. ...
  • The SSA Suspends Payments If You Go To Jail or Prison. ...
  • You Can Lose Some of Your Benefits to Taxes.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, benign brain tumors) Mental disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression) Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases) Immune system disorders (e.g., HIV infection, lupus, inflammatory arthritis)

What disabilities are hard to prove?

Here are the Top Disabilities That Are Difficult To Prove
  • Mental Health Conditions.
  • Chronic Pain Disorders.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
  • Autoimmune Disorders.

Does Social Security look at your medical records?

The Social Security Administration reviews various types of medical evidence including mental health records, bloodwork panels, diagnostic test results, reports from MRI scans, CAT scans, and X-rays. A thorough medical chart review helps the SSA determine the extent and severity of the claimant's medical condition.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

What is the easiest condition to get disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

What is the new rule for Social Security in 2024?

The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax will increase to $168,600 in 2024 from $160,200 in 2023, which will mainly impact those with high salaries. Workers pay a 7.65% FICA tax from their paychecks, with 6.2% of that going to Social Security.

What gives 100% disability?

The 100 percent disability rating is often awarded to veterans with two or more limbs that have been amputated or paralyzed or for veterans with active service-related diseases such as cancer, severe cardiac conditions, or psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, bipolar, depression, or schizophrenia.

What is the most overlooked disability?

Q: What Is the Most Commonly Overlooked Disability? A: Generally, the most overlooked disabilities are mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, to name a few. They are often overlooked and misunderstood.

What is the hardest state to get disability?

As of 2024, Utah is the hardest state to initially get approved for SSDI. It has an approval rating of 44.64% for first-time applicants. Who Is Eligible for Maximum Disability? A person who meets the SSA's work history and disability requirements is eligible for the maximum disability amount of $3,822 a month.

Why do most people get denied for disability?

The most common nonmedical reason for denying a claim is insufficient number of recent work credits.

Which conditions do not count as a disability?

If you struggle with the use of alcohol, nicotine or any other drug, you usually won't be considered disabled under the Equality Act.

What not to say in an SSI interview?

  • Don't lie about your symptoms. When answering questions about your symptoms and functioning, be honest. ...
  • Don't talk about undiagnosed conditions. If you haven't been formally diagnosed with a condition by your doctor, don't mention it during your disability interview. ...
  • Don't go on tangents. ...
  • Don't be rude.

What disqualifies you from receiving disability?

These can include income levels, the severity and duration of your condition, and the degree you cooperate with medical professionals and the SSA. It is not an exhaustive list, however. Other disqualifiers can also include imprisonment and fraudulent activity.

What illnesses qualify for adult disability payment?

To get Adult Disability Payment, you must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, or be terminally ill.

What are 14 major types of disability?

The majority of IDEA appropriations are allocated to states by formula to carry out activities under Part B, which covers 14 disability categories: (1) autism, (2) deaf-blindness, (3) deafness, (4) emotional disturbance, (5) hearing impairment, (6) intellectual disability, (7) multiple disabilities, (8) orthopedic ...

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.

At what age can I stop filing taxes?

At What Age Can You Stop Filing Taxes? Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. People who are 65 or older at the end of 2024 have to file a return for tax year 2024 (which is due in 2025) if their gross income is $16,550 or higher.

What are the changes coming to Social Security in 2025?

Social Security's earnings test limits also rose in 2025. This year, seniors who work and collect benefits will be able to earn more money without risking having a portion of their Social Security withheld.