The disability interview is a critical part of the Social Security Disability (SSD) application process. During this interview, the Social Security Administration (SSA) asks you about your medical condition, daily activities, and work history to better understand how your disability affects your ability to work. However, it’s important to remember that how you answer these questions can greatly impact the outcome of your claim. Here are four things you should avoid saying during a disability interview to help ensure your claim is as strong as possible.
1. “I Can Do Some Work”
While it might seem like an innocent statement, saying you can still perform some type of work can hurt your claim. SSA is determining whether your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Even if you can perform basic tasks, be cautious about saying that you can still “work” unless it’s clearly within the limitations of your disability.
For example, a claimant with severe back pain might say, “I can work at a desk for a few hours.” This could suggest that they are capable of performing sedentary work, even if their condition prevents them from working full-time. Be clear about your limitations and focus on how your condition impacts your ability to maintain employment consistently.
What to say instead: Be honest about your limitations and focus on how your symptoms impact your ability to work consistently or for extended periods. If you can perform a task for a short time but need frequent breaks, make that clear.
2. “I’m Not That Bad”
Downplaying the severity of your condition is another mistake to avoid. Many claimants don’t want to sound like they’re complaining, so they minimize their symptoms during the interview. However, SSA needs to understand how your disability truly affects your daily life and ability to work. If you tell SSA that your condition “isn’t that bad,” they may assume you’re capable of returning to work.
For instance, a person with rheumatoid arthritis might say, “It’s painful, but I can manage.” This statement doesn’t accurately reflect the severity of their condition and could lead SSA to believe the impairment isn’t serious enough to qualify for benefits.
What to say instead: Be honest about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. If you experience bad days or flare-ups, explain how those periods prevent you from performing routine activities or working.
3. “I Haven’t Tried Treatment”
If you haven’t followed through with treatments recommended by your doctor, such as physical therapy, medications, or surgery, SSA may question the severity of your condition. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice as much as possible, and if you haven’t tried certain treatments, be ready to explain why.
There are valid reasons for not pursuing certain treatments, such as financial difficulties, fear of side effects, or the ineffectiveness of past treatments. However, simply saying, “I haven’t tried treatment” without explanation can hurt your claim.
What to say instead: If you haven’t tried a treatment, explain why. For example, “My doctor recommended surgery, but I can’t afford it right now,” or “I had negative side effects from that medication, so we’re exploring other options.”
4. “I’m Feeling Better Today”
It’s natural to want to present yourself positively during an interview, but claiming that you’re feeling better can mislead SSA into thinking your condition isn’t as disabling as it is. Even if you’re having a good day when your symptoms are less severe, avoid implying that your condition has improved permanently.
For instance, a claimant with fibromyalgia might say, “I feel good today,” which could give the impression that they are consistently able to function well, even though they experience frequent bad days where they can’t get out of bed.
What to say instead: Describe your typical symptoms and limitations, not just how you feel on the day of the interview. If your condition fluctuates, explain the difference between good days and bad days and how often you experience each.
How an Attorney Can Help You Prepare
The disability interview can be a stressful part of the application process, but preparation is key. An experienced disability attorney can help you understand what to expect and guide you on how to answer questions in a way that accurately reflects the impact of your condition.
Working with an attorney, like those at Disability Law Group (DLG), ensures that your responses are clear, consistent, and aligned with the medical evidence in your file. This can prevent common mistakes that could hurt your chances of approval and ensure you present a strong, honest case to SSA.
If you’re preparing for a disability interview and want expert guidance, contact Disability Law Group today for personalized assistance.
