Your number one asset is your credibility. Do not lose it! SSA hates dishonest people and is good at detecting liars. You stand a much better chance of winning if you admit and explain bad evidence than if you try to hide it or lie about it. Be honest with your doctors, with your attorneys and with Social Security. The evidence people lie about is usually not as damaging as the lie itself!

Many people believe they have to make it seem like they are more disabled than they are. It is usually obvious when people are exaggerating their disabilities. It makes their claims look suspicious. You do not have to show that you are a total invalid who cannot leave the house, has to lie in bed all day, cannot bathe or dress himself or herself, and cannot do household chores. Just because you might have problems with your back or your legs does not necessarily mean that you have to walk with a cane. You don’t have to wince to show SSA that you are having pain. SSA knows that even disabled people retain some degree of function. SSA also knows that people have good days and bad days. Just because you can still perform some activities of daily living or have some degree of independence does not mean that you are able to sustain full-time competitive employment.

At the same time, do not minimize the effects of your impairments, either. The best policy is to be honest at all times and not to worry about whether something hurts or helps your case.

Social Security Disability Topics

The Social Security Disability Process

Types of Social Security Disability Benefits

How Social Security Determines if You Are Disabled

Improving Your Chances of Winning

Do I really need to get an attorney?

Your Hearing Before An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

Appealing a Denial of Benefits