For many, social media has become an integral part of daily life. Most of us share our thoughts, experiences, and photos with friends and family, often without a second thought. However, when it comes to social security disability claims, what you post online can have unintended consequences.

While it might seem safe to share updates about your life or vent about your frustrations, insurance companies and employers often monitor social media activity to gather information that could be used against you in a Social Security disability case. In this post, the team at Mark W. Smith & Associates is going to explain why it’s often best to keep your thoughts to yourself in these matters.

3 Kinds of Posts and the Problems They Cause

This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but it covers some of the most common and costly mistakes that we’ve seen people make.

  1. The "Active Injury" Post:

Imagine you've applied for SSD due to a debilitating back condition. You then post photos or videos of yourself engaging in physically demanding activities, like hiking or dancing.

These posts could be used to question the severity of your condition and your eligibility for benefits.

  1. The "Venting Applicant" Post:

Frustrated with the SSD process, you express your anger and dissatisfaction with the SSA on social media.

These posts can be used to portray you as uncooperative or exaggerating your symptoms, potentially harming your credibility.

  1. The "Medical Mishap" Post:

You're undergoing treatment for a medical condition and frequently post updates about your symptoms and progress.

If your posts contradict the medical evidence you've provided to the SSA, it could raise questions about the legitimacy of your claim.

Protecting Your Social Security Disability Claim

To safeguard your SSD claim, exercise caution when using social media:

  • Limit Your Posts: Be mindful of what you share online, especially during the claims process.
  • Avoid Discussing Your Case: Refrain from posting about your medical conditions, treatments, or the SSD process in general.
  • Review Your Privacy Settings: Ensure your social media accounts are set to private or limit who can see your posts.
  • Consult with Your Legal Advocate: Before sharing anything online, consult with a professional who can steer you in the right direction.

Social media can be a great tool for connection and communication, but it's important to use it responsibly when you have a pending SSD claim.

Contact the team at Mark W. Smith & Associates, Attorneys at Law, by simply calling our Metairie or New Orleans office at 504-224-8388 to speak with Mark Smith II, or contact us online. We accept all claims cases on a contingency basis, and there is no fee unless your claim is approved for payment. We look forward to assisting you!