The Impact of Social Media on Your SSDI Claim
If you need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), what you post on social media could affect your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) could use it as evidence to evaluate your claim. If you’re wondering how social media and SSDI might impact each other, we can help.
Our Memphis SSDI lawyers have helped hundreds of people get disability. And that often means helping them navigate their online lives.
Let’s dive into how social media can impact your SSDI claim and what you can do to protect yourself.
How Social Media Can Be Used Against You
When you apply for SSDI benefits, the SSA looks for evidence to determine whether you’re truly unable to work due to your disability. They primarily rely on medical records and doctors’ opinions. But if they have questions or doubts, they may also consider other information, including your social media profiles.
For example, if you claim your disability prevents you from engaging in physical activities, but your social media shows pictures of you hiking or participating in sports, the SSA might use that as evidence to question the severity of your condition.
Even posts that seem harmless—like attending a social event or traveling—could lead to misinterpretation. Even if you desperately need the disability benefits, the SSA might use these posts to argue against your claim.
The Risks of Oversharing
It’s easy to forget that what you post on social media is often visible to a wide audience, including people you don’t know. Even if your privacy settings are strong, there’s always a chance that your posts could be shared or reposted publicly.
The SSA doesn’t need your permission to look at public social media posts, and they can use this information as part of their decision-making process.
How to Protect Your SSDI Claim
If you use social media, here are some tips to help protect your SSDI claim:
1. Be Mindful of What You Post
Before you share anything on social media, think about how it might be interpreted by someone evaluating your SSDI claim. Avoid posting content that could be taken out of context or used to question your disability.
2. Review Your Privacy Settings
Make sure your social media accounts are set to the highest privacy settings. While this won’t completely protect you, it can limit who can see your posts and reduce the chances of your information being used against you.
3. Avoid Discussing Your Claim Online
Don’t post about your SSDI claim, your condition, or your interactions with doctors or the SSA. It’s best to keep these matters private and discuss them only with your lawyer.
4. Think Before You Tag
Be cautious about friends or family tagging you in their posts and photos. Even if you didn’t post the content yourself, tags related to certain activities could still raise questions about your disability.
5. Consult with Your Lawyer
If you’re unsure about whether a social media post could affect your claim, talk to your SSDI lawyer. They can provide guidance on what to avoid and help you navigate any issues that come up.
Help with Your SSDI Claim
As an experienced SSDI lawyer in Memphis, I understand the importance of protecting your claim from potential pitfalls, including those related to social media.
I’m here to help you build a strong case, guide you through the process, and ensure that nothing—online or offline—gets in the way of securing your benefits.
If you’re concerned about how social media could impact your SSDI claim, contact us today for a free consultation or call me at 901-327-2100. Let’s work together to protect you and get the benefits you need.