What is the single most negative statement you can make to Social Security that will likely result in your being denied?
–Donna
Jonathan Ginsberg responds: Interesting question – I have never thought of this before. Obviously if you advise SSA that you are working that will most likely disqualify you from applying. If you reference drug or alcohol abuse as a main reason that you consider yourself to be disabled, you will not recover benefits as no benefits are payable if drug or alcohol abuse is a “material contributing factor” to your disability.
I think that if you make statements to suggest that you do not want to work as opposed to not being capable of working would hurt you. Also, statements that you are applying because you need to be off work to care for a disabled child or relative will hurt you.