Tax season strikes fear in many of us. We can be as organized and ready as ever, but the lurking fear of filing incorrectly always lingers in the back of our minds. The same concept applies when we consider filing for disability.
Think of it like a health examination from the IRS; Social Security will scour our records and everyday lives for indications of our ability to function. Brace yourselves: it’s time for the audit!
What the SSA Looks For
Your Personal Life
If you’ve been following my content for a while, then you’ve already heard me say a thousand times how important it is to fill out an ADL Form (Activity of Daily Living) accurately and truthfully. When the SSA is auditing your disability status, here are some things common everyday activities that they’ll review:
- Your shopping habits
- The intensity of your hobbies
- If you care for children or grandchildren
- What you do when you go out
You shouldn’t look at this as a list of things you can’t do. All of these activities are indicators of how well you function and where your limitations start. For example, do crowds at a mall trigger a panic attack? Are there assistive technologies and tools that make it easier for you to complete everyday tasks?
Don’t forget to include all relevant information in your medical records and ADL Form. It’s best not to assume that the SSA knows where your limitations are, so make sure to clearly explain them.
How You Present Yourself in Court
Here’s a story that illustrates this well. One time, I was representing a client whose hearing was held by video. Before we went on record, the judge and I were chatting to sort out a technical issue, and my client jumped in easily, cracking jokes and asking the judge about her weekend. In that particular case, it did not hurt them. But consider this: if that same client was building a case around a severe anxiety disorder that made it impossible to function in a workplace, that moment on camera could have told a very different story to the judge. Striking up casual conversations and comfortably chatting with a judge is exactly the kind of social functioning an SSA judge notices, because it is happening right in front of them. It does not mean you are lying about your condition, but it can create a discrepancy that is difficult to explain after the fact.
Never over-exaggerate your condition, but also be mindful of how your behavior in and around the hearing appears to someone who does not know your full story. If there is context that matters, share it with your representative before you walk in.
Tips for Your Disability Hearing:
- Be honest
- Show up on time
- Chat with a dependable disability representative before your meeting
- Watch what you post on social media
- Prepare a cheat sheet to remember how often you need breaks
- Be candid about your strengths and limitations
Click Here for a Short Explanation About How the SSA Can Legally Observe Disability Applicants
Auditing Medical Records
Let’s say that the SSA ordered copies of your medical records for review. While they’re auditing your doctor’s notes, they find that you’ve recently visited to treat poison ivy, or that you twisted your ankle at your kid’s football game, or you threw out your back trying to lift a box.
Very quickly, these small things turn into bigger questions:
- Why were you wandering through the woods on uneven ground?
- If you’re struggling with crippling anxiety, why were you out at a sporting event?
- How often do you help people with a laborious activity?
Again, it’s not that you can’t go out and do these things. Sometimes an SSA judge has a very difficult job when they’re trying to determine which applicants are authentic and which applicants are trying to take advantage of the system. An audit gives you the opportunity to clarify discrepancies in your file.
My Best Advice for Your Disability Audit
My advice as a disability representative is to communicate clearly with your doctor. More often than not, details will save the day. When you’re in your doctor’s important, volunteer the rest of the story even if your doctor doesn’t ask.
👉 Maybe your grandkid picked some ivy because they thought it was pretty!
👉 Or that you had to take breaks at the softball game to rest your body or your mind, and tripped on your way to the car.
👉 Maybe that box was an Amazon delivery, but you couldn’t even make it two feet before it was too much for you.
By volunteering these small details, you’re also putting the rationale right into the SSA’s hands. Give the judge a compelling reason to believe your story, and always be truthful with both your abilities and your limitations. It makes a world of difference on your audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a disability audit by the SSA?
The SSA conducts a Continuing Disability Review to verify that beneficiaries still meet the requirements for disability benefits. These reviews can be triggered by a number of things, including reaching a scheduled review date, a report of improved health, or changes in your work activity. They are a normal part of the process and do not necessarily mean your benefits are in jeopardy.
What does the SSA look at during an audit?
During a Continuing Disability Review, the SSA will typically review your medical records, your Activities of Daily Living form, your work history, and any other documentation related to your ability to function. In some cases, they may also observe your public activity or social media presence to look for inconsistencies with your stated limitations.
Can the SSA look at my social media?
Yes. The SSA is legally permitted to review publicly available information, including social media profiles. A photo or post that suggests a level of physical or social functioning that contradicts your disability claim can raise questions during a review. It is worth being mindful of what you share online throughout the entire claims process.
What should I do if I receive notice of a disability audit?
Contact a disability representative as soon as possible. The sooner you have someone reviewing your case, the better positioned you will be to address any weak areas before they become a problem. Gather your medical records, review your ADL form for accuracy, and make a list of any details about your condition that your doctor may not have fully documented.
Will one inconsistency automatically cost me my benefits?
Not necessarily. An audit gives you the opportunity to provide context and clarify discrepancies in your file. If there is a detail in your medical records that looks unusual on the surface, a good representative will help you explain it clearly. The key is to be honest, thorough, and proactive rather than hoping the SSA fills in the blanks on their own.
How can a disability representative help during an audit?
A representative like Roy will review your entire case, identify areas that could raise questions, and help you prepare clear and accurate documentation before your hearing. Rather than simply assembling what you already have, a good representative will walk through the gaps with you and help you understand exactly what additional information is needed and where to find it.
Here’s How Our Disability Representative Can Help!
As a local representative, our disability advocate will know your case from start to finish. We’ll be involved every step of the way, and you’ll speak to the same person every time. Our goal is to make your case the easiest one to approve.
For that reason, we don’t just fine-tune what you have and put it together in a cut-and-paste format. We’ll meticulously review your case and provide feedback on the weak areas of your application and offer clear directions on what information we need and where you can find them.
Whether you’ve already begun the application process or are just getting started, we encourage you to schedule a FREE consultation to help determine the best strategy for your case. Our mission is to eliminate the red tape and mountains of paperwork so you can focus on your health and the things that matter.
Written by Roy, a dedicated Disability Representative, has been advocating for individuals seeking disability-based programs since 2003. With his background working for the government, Roy brings a deep commitment to improving assistance programs for those in need.
⏰ Schedule an appointment from anywhere in the US! 📱
Let’s Connect!
✅ Facebook: Add Me!
✅ Instagram: Join the Fun
✅ YouTube: Subscribe Here
The Disability Process 101:
- Programs available
- How to apply or appeal
- How disability is determined
- Tips for how to build a strong case
Contact Us:
📞 417-812-6698
Ur Disability Rep
Springfield, MO 65804
