By Michelle Shvarts
Principal Attorney

Living with fibromyalgia can be an overwhelming challenge, affecting every aspect of daily life. If you find yourself unable to work due to fibromyalgia, seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in Florida is a logical step. However, the application process can be complex and filled with potential pitfalls. Disability Advocates Group is here to guide you through the intricacies and ensure that you avoid critical mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.

1. Lack of Comprehensive Medical Documentation

One of the most common mistakes applicants make is not providing sufficient medical documentation. When applying for SSDI or SSI due to fibromyalgia, detailed records of your diagnosis, treatment history, and the impact on your daily life are essential.

2. Failure to Articulate Functional Limitations

Fibromyalgia often comes with a range of symptoms that can limit your ability to perform daily activities and work-related tasks. Clearly articulate these functional limitations in your application. Explain how pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues impact your capacity to sustain gainful employment.

3. Overlooking the Importance of Vocational Evidence

Many applicants focus solely on medical evidence and overlook the importance of vocational evidence. Highlight how your fibromyalgia symptoms affect your ability to perform specific job tasks and why you are unable to continue your past work.

4. Ignoring the Role of Mental Health

Fibromyalgia not only affects physical health but can also have a significant impact on mental health. Don’t ignore the emotional and psychological toll of living with chronic pain and fatigue. Include evidence of any mental health conditions arising from fibromyalgia in your application.

5. Procrastinating the Application Process

Delaying the application process can be detrimental. The SSDI and SSI application processes can be lengthy, and procrastination may lead to financial strain. Initiate the application process as soon as you realize that your fibromyalgia prevents you from working.

Working with Disability Advocates Group

At Disability Advocates Group, we specialize in navigating the complexities of SSDI and SSI applications for individuals with fibromyalgia. Our experienced attorneys can help you gather the necessary documentation, avoid critical mistakes, and present a strong case for your eligibility for benefits.

If you’re disabled due to fibromyalgia, SSDI or SSI benefits can provide essential financial support. However, the application process is nuanced and requires careful attention to detail. By avoiding critical mistakes like insufficient medical documentation, neglecting functional limitations, overlooking vocational evidence, ignoring mental health aspects, and procrastinating the application, you increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Disability Advocates Group is your ally in this process. Contact us today for personalized assistance in navigating the SSDI or SSI application process for fibromyalgia-related disability claims in Florida. Together, we can work towards securing the benefits you need to achieve a more stable and secure future despite the challenges of fibromyalgia.

About the Author
Ms. Shvarts and the rest of the team at Disability Advocates Group are dedicated to assisting individuals in Florida obtain Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.