More often than not, social media is not an accurate depiction of one’s reality. That said, whether it is done intentionally or not, the gravity of your physical, mental, or emotional disability may not be correctly portrayed through your online presence. And believe it or not, this may hurt your chances of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Continue reading to learn how social media might affect your SSDI application and how an experienced New Jersey SSDI attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can lead you through the process.
How can social media affect my SSDI benefits application?
Much like an employer may look at your social media before hiring you, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may look at your social media before granting you SSDI benefits. Generally speaking, this is because the SSA holds stringent guidelines concerning whom it administers these benefits, so it takes any measure necessary to ensure that you are rightfully eligible. Essentially, the SSA reviews applicants’ social media platforms to scope out any unlawful SSDI benefits claims.
As an example, say that an applicant is claiming that a spinal cord injury is preventing them from maintaining substantial gainful employment. However, say that this same applicant posts videos of themselves weightlifting at the gym, playing golf with their friends, or otherwise participating in physical activities that should be avoided with a back injury. Well, the SSA may conclude that this applicant is exaggerating their health condition and is therefore ineligible for benefits.
What tips should I follow when applying for SSDI benefits?
A general rule of thumb is that you should stay off of all social media platforms as your SSDI benefits application is being processed. But if you must remain active, then you should follow the below tips:
- Turn your social media accounts to private mode. Ask your loved ones to do the same for theirs.
- Avoid mentioning your disability entirely on your social media platforms. Ask your loved ones to do the same for theirs.
- Avoid downplaying your disability on your social media platforms. This is especially if you are attempting to reassure your loved ones that you are “doing fine.”
- Avoid posting anything relating to your participation in physical activity. This is especially if you are claiming a physical disability.
- Avoid posting anything relating to yourself in great physical condition. This is especially if you are claiming a necessity for crutches, a wheelchair, or another handicap-assistive device.
- Avoid posting anything relating to yourself making expensive purchases or enjoying luxury vacations. This is especially if you are claiming an inability to maintain gainful work activity.
For your SSDI benefits application, please consider contacting a skilled New Jersey SSDI attorney. Our team at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur is ready and willing to assist you.
