Social Security disability myths frequently prevent eligible individuals from pursuing the financial support they desperately need during periods of severe illness, injury, and disability. Don’t fall for these misconceptions. Contact Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced SSD benefits lawyer so we can discuss your case.
Common Myths About SSD Benefits That We Frequently Hear
Myth #1: Social Security denies everyone the first time they apply.
The Real Story: Does everyone get denied disability the first time? The answer is no—approval rates for Social Security disability claims vary significantly based on the nature of your disability, the quality of medical documentation you provide, and how thoroughly you complete the application. While initial denial rates remain high nationwide, the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves thousands of first-time applicants each year who submit well-documented claims with strong medical evidence. Why do most people get denied for disability? Claimants frequently submit insufficient medical evidence or fail to follow prescribed treatment.
Myth #2: If your doctor says you’re disabled, you are automatically entitled to start receiving disability benefits.
The Real Story: Your physician’s opinion carries significant weight in the disability determination process. However, the Social Security Administration makes the final decision based on its own strict definition of disability under federal regulations. The SSA evaluates whether your medical condition meets their specific duration and severity requirements, including whether you can perform any substantial gainful activity in the national economy.
Myth #3: Once you start receiving Social Security disability benefits, they will continue for the rest of your life.
The Real Story: The SSA conducts periodic continuing disability reviews to verify that recipients still meet eligibility requirements. Review frequency depends on whether the SSA expects your condition to improve—those with permanent disabilities face reviews every five to seven years, while individuals with conditions expected to improve undergo more frequent evaluations. Several factors can trigger benefit termination or suspension:
- Medical improvement that restores your ability to perform substantial gainful activity.
- Returning to work and earning above substantial gainful activity limits.
- Reaching full retirement age when disability converts to retirement benefits.
- Failing to attend scheduled consultative examinations.
- Incarceration for more than 30 consecutive days.
- Receiving workers’ compensation or other benefits that exceed allowable offset limits.
Myth #4: Applicants wait years for approval.
The Real Story: Processing times vary considerably depending on whether you receive approval at the initial application stage, need to request reconsideration, or must proceed to a hearing before an administrative law judge. Initial applications typically receive decisions within three to six months. However, complex cases that require additional medical evidence may take longer.
Myth #5: I don’t need a lawyer to get disability benefits.
The Real Story: You may be asking: “Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability?” Although the law does not require one, it can help to have an experienced attorney guide you through the application and appeals processes, and statistics show that having an attorney’s assistance greatly increases the likelihood of approval. The SSD benefits lawyer team at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons understands the complex regulations governing disability determinations. We can effectively communicate how your condition satisfies each required element under Social Security’s five-step sequential evaluation process.
Managing the SSDI Process
Understanding what the SSA expects at each stage of the disability determination process helps you gather the necessary documentation and avoid common mistakes that can lead to denials. We guide clients through every step while managing deadlines, evidence submission, and communication with the SSA:
- Initial Application – You must complete detailed forms describing your medical conditions, treatment history, work background, and daily activity limitations.
- Medical Evidence Gathering – The SSA requires objective documentation from acceptable medical sources, including physicians, psychologists, and other licensed healthcare providers.
- Reconsideration Stage – If your initial application receives a denial, you have 60 days to request reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your entire file.
- Administrative Hearing – When reconsideration results in another denial, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge who will consider testimony from you, medical experts, and vocational specialists.
SSD claims allow you to apply at any time after becoming disabled, though filing promptly protects your eligibility for retroactive benefits limited to 12 months before your application date.
How Can Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons Help With Your Claim?
Our Social Security disability attorneys have decades of experience handling thousands of cases for clients throughout Oklahoma, bringing deep knowledge of both the medical and legal aspects that determine disability claim outcomes. We’ve earned the respect of our peers, adversaries, and judges as leaders in our field, building a reputation for thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy that motivates the SSA to take our cases seriously:
- Comprehensive Case Development – We gather all relevant medical records and obtain supporting opinions from treating physicians.
- Strategic Appeals – We analyze denial letters to identify weaknesses in the SSA’s reasoning and develop targeted responses that address each concern. Our experience with administrative law judges enables us to tailor presentations to each decision-maker’s preferences and priorities.
- Hearing Representation – We prepare compelling opening statements, conduct effective direct examination of witnesses, and cross-examine vocational experts to challenge assumptions about your ability to work.
Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons’ track record reflects our dedication to success, as we’ve recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements annually for our clients. Our clients have direct access to their attorney rather than being shuffled between paralegals and assistants, ensuring you receive personalized attention and clear communication throughout the process.
We relate to our clients on a personal level, understanding that disability affects every aspect of your life. We treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve during this difficult time.
Contact Our Oklahoma Disability Lawyers for Help
Don’t let myths and misconceptions prevent you from pursuing the financial support you need—contact us now to take the first step toward securing your disability benefits. Call Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons today, or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced SSD benefits attorney who will evaluate your eligibility, explain the application process, and answer all your questions about pursuing disability benefits. Our Oklahoma City Social Security disability attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that you incur no upfront costs or fees until we recover benefits on your behalf.
This post was originally published in September 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in January 2026.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
