Filing an application for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a critical step for individuals unable to work because of a serious medical condition. Yet many claims are denied simply because avoidable mistakes were made at the application stage. At Ankin Law, our social-security disability attorneys see the same missteps time and again, and they can have a real impact on whether a claim succeeds. In this post, we’ll highlight the most common mistakes found on Social Security Disability applications, and how you can avoid them to give your claim the best possible chance of approval.

Undermining Your Credibility

One of the key components the SSA assesses is your credibility, how well your statements, medical history, work history and current activities align with a disabling condition.
Here are some specific credibility pitfalls:

  • Continuing to receive unemployment benefits while claiming you are so disabled you cannot work. Because unemployment implies you’re able and available for work, this can hurt your claim.
  • Continuing to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) while filing for benefits. If you are earning above the SGA threshold when you apply, your eligibility is jeopardized.
  • Gaps or inconsistency in your medical treatment. If you haven’t regularly sought treatment for the condition you claim is disabling, or you haven’t followed prescribed medical treatment, SSA may view your condition as less serious than claimed.
  • Staying with a doctor who is unsupportive of your disability claim. If your physician is reluctant to provide records, complete paperwork, or indicate that the condition prevents you from working, your application may suffer.

Tip: Be consistent with your statements. Make sure your reported daily activities, medical treatment, and work history all point toward the same conclusion: you cannot sustain gainful employment due to your condition.

Failing to Document All Disabling Conditions

Many applicants make the mistake of focusing only on the physical problem (for example, a back injury) and neglecting to include other disabling issues, such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health impairments, that may accompany the main issue.
Why this matters: The SSA considers the combined effect of all your impairments, physical and mental. If you leave out “lesser” conditions, your claim may not reflect the full extent of your limitations.

Tip: When applying, list all conditions you’re being treated for. Include mental-health issues, pain disorders, fatigue, and any other impairment that limits your ability to work, even if it seems secondary.

Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications

Errors on the application itself are surprisingly common and can cause delays or outright denials. Some frequent application errors include:

  • Omitting dates of treatment, providers, or types of therapies.
  • Providing inconsistent information about the work you’re able or unable to perform.
  • Leaving blanks or “I don’t know” responses for key questions, especially where you can provide actual answers.
  • Not submitting supporting medical records or failing to follow up when the SSA requests additional documentation.

Tip: Take your time to fill out the forms carefully. Double-check dates, spell names of physicians and clinics correctly, and attach all relevant documents. If you’re uncertain about how to answer a question, consult a disability attorney.

Assuming You Don’t Need Legal Guidance

Many applicants assume they can navigate the process themselves and only hire a lawyer after a denial. While this is possible, there are significant advantages to involving an attorney early. According to Ankin Law’s data, working with experienced legal counsel can dramatically increase an applicant’s chances of success.

Why this matters:

  • Disability attorneys know how to gather and present medical evidence in ways the SSA looks for.
  • They understand how to craft the claim around your capacity to work (or lack thereof) and how your condition impacts everyday functioning.
  • They can identify weaknesses in your case early and address them proactively.

Tip: Consider contacting a social security disability attorney before submitting your initial application. Early legal involvement can save time, reduce errors, and improve your odds of approval.

Lack of Recent or Ongoing Medical Treatment

One of the most common mistakes is not actively treating the condition you claim is disabling. The SSA expects that if you have a serious impairment that prevents work for 12 months or more, you will have sought medical care, followed recommended treatment, and kept treatment records.
Common missteps include:

  • Stopping treatment prematurely or not seeing specialists.
  • Failing to document why treatment was not sought or followed (such as for financial or religious reasons).
  • Not updating treatment records with current status, changes in medications, or worsening symptoms.
     

Tip: Stay engaged with your medical providers. Keep records of visits, treatments, medication changes, and how your condition impacts your capacity to work. If you have a valid reason for not receiving treatment (e.g., side effects, financial hardship), document that too.

Misrepresenting Work History or Activities

Every applicant must demonstrate they are unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). Misrepresenting your work history or current activities can hurt your credibility and your claim. This includes:

  • Listing part-time or volunteer work that may be interpreted as SGA.
  • Underestimating what you can do physically or mentally, versus what you actually do.
  • Overstating what you can do, which may highlight a capacity for other work the SSA will consider.

Tip: Be accurate and honest about your past employment, current capacity, and daily activities. If you do any work, even small tasks, make sure you report it in detail, and make it clear how your condition limits meaningful employment.

Not Accounting for Duration and Severity Requirements

For both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the applicant must show that the impairment is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and that it prevents you from performing past work or adjusting to other work. Many applications neglect to clearly address the anticipated duration or the functional limitations.
 

Tip: Make sure your medical records and your application reflect that your condition is (or will be) disabling for at least a year, and that the limitations are such that you cannot perform your past work or other work.

Updated Medical Evidence Requirements You Must Meet in 2026

Another major mistake applicants make is misunderstanding what the Social Security Administration expects when it comes to medical evidence. While the general rules have been consistent for years, the SSA has recently placed an even stronger emphasis on continuous, consistent, and well-documented treatment when reviewing disability claims. Going into 2026, a lack of detailed medical records is one of the top reasons otherwise valid claims are denied.

SSA Now Places More Weight on “Longitudinal Evidence”

A single doctor’s visit or isolated test result is rarely enough. SSA wants to see a long-term picture of your condition, including:

  • Ongoing treatment over months or years
  • Regular evaluations from specialists (not just primary care)
  • Notes showing symptom progression or worsening
  • Objective findings (MRI, CT, nerve studies, bloodwork, etc.)
  • How the condition impacts daily functioning and work capacity

If there are large gaps in treatment or long periods without documented symptoms, SSA may conclude your impairment is not as limiting as claimed.

Consistency Matters More Than Ever

Examiners are trained to look for consistency between:

  • Physician notes
  • Reported symptoms
  • Functional limitations
  • Work history
  • Activities of daily living
  • Medication response

Even small inconsistencies. For example, telling your doctor you “walk every day,” but telling SSA you “cannot walk at all” can trigger credibility concerns and lead to denial.

Missing Treatment Must Be Explained

SSA understands that not everyone can afford ongoing medical care. But failure to follow prescribed treatment without explanation may be interpreted as:

  • Your condition improving, or
  • Your impairment not being severe enough to require care

If you have legitimate barriers to treatment, such as:

  • Lack of insurance
  • Transportation issues
  • Financial hardship
  • Severe side effects from medication
  • Religious objections

…you must document these reasons in your application or through your medical provider.

Tip: Treat Your Medical Record Like the Backbone of Your Case

Your disability claim is only as strong as the medical evidence supporting it. Keep consistent appointments, update your doctors about changes in symptoms, and make sure every limitation you describe is reflected in your medical notes.

Give Your Claim the Best Chance

Navigating the Social Security Disability application process is challenging. Mistakes at the outset can delay your benefits, increase the likelihood of denial, and create additional stress when you’re already dealing with major health issues. Avoiding the common mistakes outlined above, undermining credibility, incomplete documentation, wrong work/activity representations, inadequate medical treatment, and skipping legal support, can put you in a stronger position.

At Ankin Law, our team of experienced disability lawyers is committed to helping applicants throughout Illinois: Chicago, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Aurora, and beyond. We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation, and work on a contingency basis (meaning you pay nothing unless benefits are awarded). If you are applying for SSDI or SSI and want someone in your corner from the start, call us today for a consultation.

Call us at (312) 600-0000 or visit our website to get started. Don’t let a simple mistake keep you from the benefits you deserve.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability Mistakes

Does the 2026 SGA Limit Affect My Application?

Yes. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is a crucial factor for SSDI applicants. In 2026, SSA considers you able to work if you earn:

  • $1,690 per month (non-blind applicants)
  • $2,830 per month (statutorily blind applicants)

If you apply while earning above these amounts, SSA will typically deny your claim at step one of the evaluation process. For SSI, SGA applies only to the disability determination—not your financial eligibility—so you must also meet SSI income and resource limits.

Can Lack of Medical Insurance Affect My Disability Application?

Yes, but not automatically in a negative way. Many people stop treating because they lose insurance, cannot afford specialist visits, or face barriers to care. SSA’s rules allow examiners to consider valid reasons for not following treatment.
However, failing to document those reasons can still harm your claim.

Tip: If you do not have insurance or cannot afford treatment, explain this clearly on your application and request low-cost clinics, sliding-scale providers, or state medical assistance.

Do I Need to Update SSA About New Medical Records After Applying?

Absolutely. One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is assuming SSA will automatically collect every new piece of medical evidence. SSA typically retrieves your records up to the date of review, but they may not obtain newly created documents unless you notify them.

If you have:

  • new imaging results
  • updated diagnoses
  • specialist evaluations
  • emergency room visits
  • changes in medications
  • worsening symptoms

…you should send these updates to SSA or your attorney promptly.

Will Doing Small Tasks Around the House Hurt My Claim?

Not necessarily. SSA does not expect you to be bedridden to qualify for disability. However, your daily activities must be consistent with the limitations you claim. Overstating what you can do—or describing activities that resemble work—can undermine credibility.

Tip: When describing daily activities, focus on how long tasks take, how often you need breaks, and the symptoms that interfere.

Will I Still Receive Payments if There’s a Government Shutdown?

Yes, in the event of a government shutdown, you will continue to receive your payments as normal, with no changes to your payment schedule.

Can I Work While Receiving Benefits?

You can continue to work while receiving Social Security benefits, however, if you are younger than full retirement age, and make more than the yearly earning limit, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above the annual limit

How Long Does The Application Process Take?

The typical wait time for a disability benefits decision is between six and eight months. However, expedited rulings are processed for certain situations. Common situations that can speed up the application process include:

  • Diagnosis with a terminal illness
  • Presumptive disability
  • Compassionate allowances
  • Claimants who were on active military duty at the time of the disability onset, or are in dire need and in danger of losing housing or access to food or medical care