What should you not say when applying for disability?

Asked by: Fabiola Fisher  |  Last update: June 13, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (14 votes)

Ten Things You Should Never Say When Applying For Social Security Disability
  • “It's not that bad. ...
  • “I'm getting better.” ...
  • “I can work, but no one will hire me.” ...
  • “It hurts.” ...
  • “I'm not being treated.” or “I stopped treatment.” ...
  • “I have a history of drug use/criminal activity.” ...
  • “My relative gets disability.”

How do I pass a disability interview?

Don't downplay your symptoms, but also avoid exaggeration. Providing accurate and detailed information will help the interviewer understand the full extent of your disability. Communicate Clearly – Speak clearly and concisely. If you're nervous, take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding.

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.

What not to tell a disability judge?

Subjects to avoid unless you are directly questioned include:
  • Any family members receiving unemployment or disability benefits.
  • Details about your criminal history.
  • Issues related to alcohol or drugs.
  • Non-compliance with your doctor's orders.
  • Living in a town with no available job opportunities.

What do you say when applying for disability?

When discussing your disability, it's crucial to be specific about your medical condition and symptoms. Saying that you are in pain or have trouble walking is not sufficient. Provide details about the type and intensity of your pain, the frequency of your symptoms, and how they limit your mobility.

What Not to Say at Your Disability Hearing

22 related questions found

What is the easiest disability to get approved for?

Do Any Conditions Automatically Qualify for Social Security Disability?
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.

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 disqualifies a person from 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 do disability judges look for?

For work history, you will be asked to describe job duties on your last job and on all significant jobs you've had during the past fifteen years. The judge may want to know how much weight you had to lift on each job and about how much time during the workday that you spent sitting, standing and walking on each job.

What makes a strong disability case?

A strong Social Security disability claim will need significant medical evidence of your disability. At a minimum, your application should include copies of medical records of treatment you have received for your disability.

Why do most people get denied for disability?

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

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.

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.

How would you describe daily activities for disability?

When describing your daily activities, be specific about the tasks you perform and the limitations you experience. For example, if you have difficulty standing for long periods, describe how this affects your ability to perform household chores or run errands.

How do I pass my disability exam?

How to Pass a Disability Exam
  1. Do not miss your appointment. The SSA scheduled and paid for this appointment because they felt they did not have enough information to properly decide your claim for benefits. ...
  2. Don't be late. ...
  3. Be calm and relaxed. ...
  4. Be Honest. ...
  5. Be specific and descriptive.

What are the signs you will be approved for Social Security disability?

8 Signs That You Will Be Approved for Disability Benefits
  • You've paid enough Social Security taxes through work credits. ...
  • You can't work for at least 12 months. ...
  • You do not have an advanced degree. ...
  • You're Over the Age of 50. ...
  • You have well-documented medical evidence. ...
  • You've been consistent with treatment.

What evidence do I need for disability?

Medical evidence already in your possession. This includes medical records, doctors' reports, and recent test results; and. Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers' compensation-type benefits you received [more info].

What triggers a disability review?

You aren't following the treatment your doctor ordered (without a good reason), and you probably could work if you followed the treatment. You gave us false or misleading information when we made an earlier decision. You're working and your average monthly earnings show that you're doing substantial gainful work.

What questions do disability doctors ask?

Core Questions Doctors Ask Disability Applicants include:
  • Are You Currently Working?
  • Are You Capable of Working in Your Field?
  • Are you capable of doing other kinds of work?
  • Is Your Condition Considered Severe or on the List of Disabling Impairments?
  • What Documentation Do You Need?
  • Medical History Details:

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 not to tell a disability doctor?

Exaggerate Your Symptoms or Disabilities

While you should always be open and honest about your condition, do not exaggerate or claim to have symptoms that you do not. The doctor will likely see through it, which could make them doubt other things you tell them, ultimately harming your claim.

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.

What the most money for disability will pay?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – The maximum payment is $4,018 a month (up from $3,822 in 2024). The maximum family benefit for SSDI is about 85% to 150% of the disabled worker's benefit. The maximum payment at full retirement age is $4,018 monthly. However, if you retire at age 62, your benefit is $2,831.

What is a nexus letter?

A NEXUS letter is the medical evidence a doctor prepares for a veteran that explains how and why the veteran's current medical condition is related to his military service or secondary to an established service connected disability.