You've waited months for a decision on your Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) claim—but instead of an approval letter, you get a denial citing your own social media posts. It's a gut-punch scenario happening to more and more SSDI applicants as claims examiners increasingly turn to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to investigate cases.
At the Law Office of Phillip M. Hendry, we understand the complicated and often frustrating process of applying for SSDI benefits. Unfortunately, even a single misinterpreted post can undermine an otherwise strong claim. Louisiana disability attorney Phillip Hendry has helped countless individuals in Louisiana secure the benefits they deserve. Learn how social media can impact your disability case and strategies to protect your claim from unintended consequences.
What Are SSDI Investigators Looking For on Social Media?
When you file for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a legal right to verify your alleged limitations—and that includes scouring publicly available information on social networking sites. Here's what they're seeking:
Evidence Contradicting Alleged Limitations
SSDI investigators will look for any social media content that seems to contradict your claimed physical or mental limitations, such as:
- Photos of physical activities exceeding your claimed restrictions
- Check-ins, event RSVPs, or group memberships that suggest a more active lifestyle than alleged
- Comments about hobbies, trips, or social engagements that seem to contradict your reported daily living abilities
Inconsistencies About Work Activity
Claims examiners will also search for social media posts that raise questions about your work activity and ability to earn income, including:
- Posts referencing off-the-books work or self-employment
- Advertisements for your services or links to professional profiles
- Discussions of job interviews, onboarding, or earning income
Admissions Undermining Disability Allegations
Finally, investigators will be on the lookout for any statements or comments that could be interpreted as undermining your disability allegations, such as:
- References to medical improvement or recovery milestones
- Comments downplaying the severity of your condition
- Statements attributing unemployment to non-medical factors
The fact is that anything you post on social media could potentially be used to challenge your disability claim. SSDI investigators are increasingly savvy about mining online activity for evidence to justify denials. Therefore, it's critical to be vigilant about what you share—and what others may be sharing about you.
How Can You Protect Your SSDI Claim From Social Media Missteps?
While the smartest move is to avoid social media entirely while your claim is pending, that's not always realistic. If you do choose to maintain an online presence, here are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk of social media sabotaging your SSDI case:
- Lock down your privacy settings to limit public access to your profiles and posts
- Curate your friend lists to avoid connections with people who may misinterpret or report your activity
- Refrain from posting anything about your medical conditions, daily activities, or physical abilities
- Untag yourself from photos and videos that could be construed as exceeding your alleged limitations
- Ask friends and family to avoid mentioning you in posts that could raise red flags
What If Social Media Content Is Already Being Used Against You?
If your SSDI claim has been denied based on your social media activity, don't panic—and don't give up. Here are some ways an experienced disability attorney can help you address the situation:
- Clarifying the context of posts that have been misinterpreted
- Providing medical evidence and professional opinions supporting your alleged limitations
- Demonstrating how sporadic activities captured on social media don't reflect your longitudinal capacity
- Appealing the decision and presenting a compelling case for approval
The Bottom Line: Think Before You Post
In the age of social media, a single post can make the difference between an SSDI approval and a denial. The best way to protect your claim is to stay off social networking sites altogether while your case is pending. If you do continue to use social media, be highly cautious about what you post and consider working with a knowledgeable disability attorney to help you with the claims process and any issues that arise.
At the Law Office of Phillip M. Hendry, our team has decades of experience handling SSDI claims and appeals. We understand the challenges that social media scrutiny can pose for disability applicants, and we know how to address potential issues before they derail a case. We stay current on the latest SSA policies and procedures to give our clients the strongest possible chance of success.