Most of us have social media handles
Some of us use it to stay in touch with family and friends, others leverage it for business opportunities, and some only use it casually for entertainment.
But one thing is certain: many of us post without giving a second thought to the impact of the content we share.
If you have recently or are about to file a Social Security disability claim, you want to start paying attention to what goes into your social media.
A single post can have a huge impact on your case evaluation process.
In this article, a seasoned disability attorney Indianapolis will explain how social media can hinder your case. Additionally, we’ll share four tips to protect your claim from riski posts and win disability benefits.
Does The SSA Monitor Claimants Social Media Accounts?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) may review applicants’ social media activity to verify the information provided on their applications.
Their goal is to ensure that the evidence submitted aligns with the content and images on your social media profiles.
It’s unlikely that SSA examiners will extensively comb through every single post across all your social media accounts. They are more likely to examine your online presence if they have concerns about your application.
The purpose is to identify any discrepancies related to the physical or mental limitations you claim to have.
If your posts suggest a higher level of physical activity than described in your application, it might raise concerns about your claim authenticity.
Potential Negative Effects of Social Media Posts on Disability Claims
Social media has brought so many benefits to our lives—the ability to stay in touch with distant family and friends, access to the latest news, business opportunities, and an endless supply of fun and entertainment.
However, it also has its drawbacks.
A seemingly harmless social media post can significantly hinder your disability benefits claim.
Let’s explore how posting on social media can negatively impact your Social Security disability case:
Contradictory Posts
Photos or posts showing physical activities, travel, or other physically demanding actions may be seen as contradictory to your reported disability.
Those posts could also lead to inquiries regarding the actual severity of your condition.
Posts Can Easily Be Taken Out of Context
In social media, everything can quickly be taken out of context or out of proportion.
When posts are viewed out of context, they can alter the intended meaning of your picture or statement.
If the SSA examiners come across your posts, they might take things out of context.
For example, you might post a video or picture of you and your family on a day trip to the park.
How can that harm your case?
The SSA might perceive this with suspicion since they are unaware that you were at home in bed the previous day, right after going to the park with your loved ones.
They may interpret that single picture or video as indicative of your everyday life.
Time Stamps and Location Tags
Posts that include exact locations and times may inadvertently reveal details about your movement and activity, which could contradict the information submitted in your SSDI application.
How To Protect Your Case Against Risky Social Media Posts
Have you filed for Social Security disability benefits and want to ensure no social media post hinders your case?
Disability law experts advise sticking to the following four rules:
Adjust Your Privacy Settings
Adjust your accounts to maximum privacy settings. This measure restricts visibility of your posts and personal details.
Think Before You Post
Before sharing anything on social media, think about how someone reviewing your disability claim might perceive it.
If there’s a possibility it could be misinterpreted, disability law professionals consider it’s better not to post it.
Limit Your Social Media Use
We understand that nowadays, social media is a significant part of most people’s lives. Still, it might be wise to take a step back, at least until your claim gets approved.
While your claim is pending, minimizing your social media presence is advisable. If you decide to share something, ensure it’s unrelated to your activities or physical abilities.
Tell Your Friends Not to Tag You
Finally, ask your family members and friends not to tag you on risky social media posts.
Explain to them the importance of keeping a low profile while the SSA examines your claim and how a risky post can harm your case.
We understand this feels unfair and annoying. But remember that those measures won’t last forever, and they can make a significant impact on helping you win disability benefits.
A Smooth Path Towards Social Security Disability Benefits
Can social media posts potentially harm your SSDI claim? Sadly, they can.
While the SSA is unlikely to review every social media post you make with scrutiny, there is a chance they pay attention to your social media activity.
Therefore, it’s better safe than sorry.
During your case review, reduce your social media activity or be aware of posts that can compromise the credibility of your claim.
