SSD & SSI Myths

Binder & Binder® Can Help

All too often, people hold off from applying for the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits they need because they believe common misconceptions about these programs. These myths can cost you valuable time, money, and peace of mind. Don't be one of them. Contact us at Binder & Binder® by calling 1-800-66-BINDER to get the right information about your disability benefits.

MYTH #1 – You are not allowed to work if you are applying for disability.

The Reality:

Many people think that you're not allowed to work at all while applying for Social Security Disability benefits. This isn't necessarily true. You may be able to file for disability benefits if you are still working, but only if your monthly gross earned income is below a certain dollar amount, known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. This means you can earn up to these maximum amounts and still potentially be eligible for SSD benefits.

However, even if you are working below SGA levels, your work activity may still be evaluated to determine if it demonstrates an ability to engage in substantial work. Each case is unique, and having professional guidance is crucial to navigate these complex rules.

Have questions about Social Security Disability? Of course you do. We all do!

If you have stopped working, you should not hesitate to file for disability. The longer you wait, the more you may have to deplete your savings while you go through the Social Security Disability process. Additionally, delaying your application could affect your date of entitlement and potentially reduce your back benefits.

MYTH #2 – The Social Security Administration denies everyone the first time they apply for disability benefits.

The Reality:

While the Social Security Administration denies many (if not most) of the claims submitted, it is still possible to win your case the first time you apply. The overall approval rate at the initial application level is approximately 30-35%, meaning that about one-third of applicants do get approved on their first try.

The best way to achieve success the first time is to know what you're doing or to work with an advocate who does. At Binder & Binder®, we handle tens of thousands of disability claims each year. With experience and an in-depth understanding of what makes a successful disability claim, you can trust in this: We'll deal with the government. You have enough to worry about.

Our approach includes:

• Thoroughly documenting all medical conditions and their impact on your ability to work

• Ensuring all medical records are complete and submitted properly

• Accurately completing all application forms with strategic responses

• Understanding which conditions are more likely to be approved and how to present them effectively

• Maintaining regular communication with SSA to track your claim's progress

MYTH #3 – Certain diseases automatically qualify you for disability benefits.

The Reality:

Actually, there is only one disease that automatically makes you disabled just by the diagnosis. Every other disability requires much more than a diagnosis.

If this myth was true, people with almost any serious condition wouldn't have to worry about dealing with governmental bureaucracy. Sadly, it's a myth. Regardless of the diagnosis, a claimant needs to prove that his or her particular unique set of circumstances, verified by your healthcare provider, makes you unable to work considering your age, work history and educational level.

All these factors matter, but strong medical proof of disability—not a mere dire diagnosis—is what the SSA relies on to approve you for Social Security Disability benefits. This information must be complete and thorough in order for you to get the benefits you depend on.

Very few claimants know what is needed to win and mistakenly believe that a prescription pad note from their doctor saying they are disabled should win their case. The process is much harder and the proof is much more extensive. Having represented hundreds of thousands of claimants, Binder & Binder® knows what is necessary to win your case.

What the SSA actually looks for includes:

• Objective medical evidence (test results, imaging studies, clinical findings)

• Functional limitations documented by healthcare providers

• Treatment history and response to treatments

• Daily activities and how they are impacted by your condition

• The combined effect of all your medical conditions

MYTH #4 – Young(er) people can't win their disability cases.

The Reality:

Many people in their twenties and thirties wrongly believe that it's impossible to win a SSD or SSI claim. This is simply not true. If you have a work history, and if you have a disability that will prevent you from working for a year or more, you may be eligible for benefits — regardless of your age.

It is easier to win when you are 50 or older as the law requires the SSA to consider your age in assessing a disability, but being young is no bar. Some people are unfortunate in that they are disabled at a very young age. Some are even disabled from birth.

While it's true that the SSA's rules do make it somewhat more challenging for younger applicants to qualify (as they are expected to be able to adapt to different types of work), thousands of young people are approved for disability benefits each year.

For younger applicants, we focus on:

• Demonstrating the severity of your conditions with strong medical evidence

• Documenting how your conditions prevent you from performing even sedentary work

• Addressing vocational factors like skills transferability and education level

• Utilizing medical-vocational guidelines effectively

MYTH #5 – If my doctor says I'm disabled, I'll automatically be approved.

The Reality:

While your doctor's opinion is important, it is not the final word on your disability status under Social Security rules. The SSA has its own definition of disability and its own process for determining if you meet that definition.

Your doctor's statement that you are "disabled" is not enough by itself. Instead, the SSA wants specific information from your healthcare providers about:

• Your medical conditions and their severity

• Your specific functional limitations (sitting, standing, lifting, etc.)

• How long your limitations are expected to last

• What activities you can and cannot perform

At Binder & Binder®, we work with your healthcare providers to ensure they provide the right kind of medical documentation that addresses the SSA's specific criteria.

MYTH #6 – I need to be completely unable to function to qualify for disability.

The Reality:

Many people believe they must be bedridden or completely incapacitated to qualify for disability benefits. This is not true. The SSA's definition of disability focuses on your ability to perform substantial gainful work activity, not whether you can perform basic daily activities.

You may still qualify for disability benefits even if you:

• Can take care of your personal needs

• Can do some household chores

• Can drive short distances

• Can shop for groceries occasionally

• Can socialize with friends and family

What matters is whether your medical conditions prevent you from performing the duties of a full-time job on a regular and continuing basis.

MYTH #7 – I can't afford to hire an advocate to help with my claim.

The Reality:

At Binder & Binder®, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront for our services. We only receive a fee if we successfully help you obtain benefits, and that fee is regulated by the Social Security Administration.

The fee is typically 25% of your back benefits (those benefits accumulated during the application process), with a cap set by the SSA. This fee structure makes professional representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.

Given the complexity of the disability application process and the high denial rates, working with an experienced advocate often makes the difference between approval and denial.

Get the Facts About Your Disability Claim

Don't let myths and misconceptions keep you from pursuing the benefits you need and deserve. Contact us at Binder & Binder® by calling 1-800-66-BINDER for a free consultation. We'll provide accurate information about your specific situation and help you understand your options.

With decades of experience and hundreds of thousands of successful cases, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the Social Security Disability process with confidence. Remember our promise: "We'll deal with the government. You have enough to worry about."

Binder & Binder® - America's Most Successful Social Security Disability Advocates®