Some people have a habit of providing too much information at their disability hearing. When given the opportunity to speak, they may overshare and that can lead to trouble. Now, while outright lying is never in your best interest, disclosing unsolicited information could damage your case.
The following four situations, while not grounds for automatic denial, have the potential to damage your claim. If any apply to you, it’s best to keep them under wraps unless directly questioned by the ALJ: Prior denied claims example. “I’ve filed seven times since 1987 and Social Security won’t listen to me…”
Prior criminal history example. “Ive been locked up for fraud and false statements”
Drug and alcohol issues example. “I’ve been drinking a 12-pack a day and using methamphetamine since 2013”
Family members receiving disability example. “My wife and my 3 kids all receive SSI so I decided to quit working and try to get my disability too.”
Three other job-related arguments to avoid making when testifying before the ALJ:
“There are no jobs available.” This implies that if there were jobs, you would be able to work and therefore not in need of disability.
“I can’t do my old job anymore.” Again, this implies that you are able to work a job, but just not able to work one outside of your field. If you are under 50, Social Security presumes you can be re-trained to do “other work”. Other work could by any unskilled work that exists in the “national economy”.
“There is no way for me to get to work without a car or license.” Unless you have a medically determinable impairment that restricts your ability to drive or your doctor has prohibited you from driving, no ALJ will consider this a valid excuse for disability.