How Social Media Can Affect Your Social Security Disability Claim

Many people who file Social Security Disability claims continue to use social media while they await a decision. But is doing so a bad idea?

Not necessarily. Posting on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or any other platform may not affect your chances of approval – if, that is, you take care to guard your privacy. If you don’t play it safe, using social media could have an effect on the outcome of your claim. Here’s what you need to know.

Can Social Security see my social media posts?

The SSA May Consider Social Media in Deciding Disability Claims

Last year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) proposed the idea of using the information gained from social media platforms in disability determinations. The intended purpose is to identify fraud based upon photos and details applicants post.

Making sure that those whose disability claims are approved are actually disabled is important, but what the proposal fails to recognize is that people often post about happy times. Many also submit pictures that paint them in a favorable light, not photos where they’re grimacing in pain. Therefore, being judged for what you post doesn’t seem quite fair – but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

Tips for Safe Social Media Use When Filing a Disability Claim

If you’re planning on filing for disability, you don’t need to stop using social media. You can keep posting, but we suggest that you take the following precautions:

  • Limit the amount of personal information in your account profiles. Use only your first name or a nickname, leaving off your last name and other details like your city, state, date of birth and phone number.
  • Take a close look at each account’s privacy settings. On many social media platforms, profiles are not automatically set to be private. Make sure yours isn’t public, as you’re better off sharing information with only friends and family.
  • Think twice before you submit any post. Keeping your posts private is smart, but you still shouldn’t submit anything you wouldn’t want everyone to see. Consider, too, whether the SSA might misinterpret something you’re posting.

Get Expert Assistance with Your Social Security Disability Claim

If you’re disabled and cannot work, filing a disability claim could be in your best interests – and, the expert team at Mountain West Disability can provide you with all of the help you need.

During our many years in business, we’ve guided hundreds of people through the Social Security Disability process. We offer highly personalized service tailored to meet your needs, and we don’t charge a fee unless your claim is approved. As such, you can count on us to make every effort to ensure you’re awarded benefits.

For more information on our legal services, or to discuss filing a Social Security Disability claim with a highly experienced advocate, contact Mountain West Disability today.