In another unfortunate turn, Social Security has put up a new roadblock for those seeking disability benefits. This new rule that goes into effect on April 20, 2015 requires claimants to inform Social Security about or submit all evidence known to them that relates to their disability claim.
This rule will create a new challenge for all people seeking disability benefits, but particularly for those who are trying to navigate the process without hiring an attorney.
Asking individuals with disabilities to evaluate what should be considered “evidence” that “relates” to their disability claim is simply too high of a burden for unrepresented claimants. Does the rule require a person to include all the information from an old workers’ compensation claim? A car accident? Records from a family therapist? A DHS custody evaluation? This analysis is complicated and is something our lawyers will evaluate on a case by case basis.