1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications

One of the most common mistakes is submitting incomplete forms or providing inaccurate information. Errors include:

• Leaving sections blank on the application
• Providing incorrect dates for medical treatments or employment history
• Forgetting to include all medical providers who treat your condition
• Failing to update contact information, causing SSA to miss reaching you for needed documents

How to avoid it: Review your application thoroughly before submission. Ensure all dates, addresses, and personal details are accurate and complete.

2. Insufficient Medical Evidence

Many applications are denied due to lack of strong medical documentation proving the severity of the condition. Common issues include:

• Submitting only a diagnosis without detailed records showing limitations
• Missing recent test results, lab work, or imaging that support your diagnosis
• Lack of treatment notes detailing symptoms and their impact on your daily functioning
• Omitting specialist records, such as neurologists or rheumatologists, who provide critical supporting evidence

How to avoid it: Gather comprehensive, up-to-date medical records from all providers treating your condition before applying.

3. Not Following Prescribed Treatments

If SSA determines that you are not following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan without a valid reason, your claim may be denied for non-compliance. Common examples include:

• Missing scheduled doctor appointments repeatedly
• Refusing treatments without documented medical reasons (e.g., allergies or contraindications)

How to avoid it: Follow all prescribed treatments or therapies, and if you cannot follow them, have your doctor document the medical reason clearly in your records.

4. Continuing to Work Above SGA Limits

For SSDI applicants, working and earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit at the time of application can result in automatic denial, as SSA may consider you able to engage in significant work.

How to avoid it: Understand the current SGA income limits ($1,550 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals) and ensure your earnings are below this amount when applying.

5. Underestimating the Importance of Work History Details

SSA uses your work history to determine:

• Whether you have sufficient work credits for SSDI
• If you can perform past relevant work despite your condition

Many applicants provide incomplete job descriptions or omit relevant tasks and physical requirements, leading SSA to misinterpret their ability to work.

How to avoid it: Provide detailed, accurate descriptions of each job you’ve held in the past 15 years, including duties, hours, lifting requirements, and physical demands.

6. Failing to Include Mental Health Conditions

Applicants often focus only on their physical impairments, ignoring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or cognitive limitations. However, SSA evaluates all conditions collectively when determining disability.

How to avoid it: Include all mental and physical health conditions that limit your ability to work, with supporting documentation from therapists, psychiatrists, or psychologists.

7. Missing Deadlines

SSA imposes strict deadlines for:

• Filing appeals (60 days from denial notices)
• Submitting additional evidence
• Responding to SSA requests for forms or records

Missing these deadlines usually results in case closure or denial.

How to avoid it: Keep track of all deadlines and respond to SSA promptly. Consider keeping a dedicated disability file with all notices and due dates clearly labeled.

8. Not Preparing for Consultative Examinations (CEs)

SSA may require you to attend a Consultative Examination with an SSA-contracted doctor. Common mistakes include:

• Missing the appointment without rescheduling
• Minimizing your symptoms during the exam out of habit or pride
• Failing to bring necessary medical documentation

How to avoid it: Treat the CE seriously, attend as scheduled, and communicate clearly about your symptoms, pain levels, and limitations.

9. Applying Without Understanding SSA Criteria

Many applicants believe that having a diagnosis automatically qualifies them for disability benefits. However, SSA evaluates how the condition limits your ability to perform basic work activities, not just the diagnosis itself.



How to avoid it: Familiarize yourself with SSA’s Listing of Impairments and understand how your condition matches their criteria, including medical and functional limitations.