Free Consultation 24 Hour Response

My blog

Just another WordPress site

Call Today 1-800-572-3753

Social Security Disability Lawyers

Consult A Social Security Disability Attorney

Few people want to think of disability. It’s generally uncomfortable to consider how disability could change the way we and our loved ones live. The thought of losing our cherished activities or being unable to care for ourselves can be scary.

Unfortunately, disability doesn’t discriminate. In fact, most people will face disability at some point throughout their lives. However, a disabling condition may come entirely unexpected.

Simply put, disability can be profoundly challenging, and people deserve to receive the adequate assistance and care they need. This is why legal help is so crucial.

Fortunately, a good disability lawyer can help. A top social security attorney understands the Social Security Administration (SSA) like few others do. These professionals know how to help those with disabilities pursue the financial assistance they need.

Social Security Disability Lawyers Understand The Details

  1. Many people do not realize that disability can appear at any time, with no warning. In fact, as much as 25% of 20-year-olds will become disabled at some point before retirement age. This is why the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers benefits.
  2. As of today, the SSA offers two disability programs for those who need assistance. These programs include the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSDI program is most commonly associated with disability benefits.
  3. Generally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays disability benefits to people who can’t work due to a disabling medical condition. This medical condition or impairment is expected to last for at least 12 months or be terminal. However, not all programs rely on this stringent definition of disability.
  4. Many programs administer payments based on partial or short-term disabilities. These disabilities are not as severe as total disabilities recognized by the SSA. Disabilities recognized by other programs are also not as long-lasting. These conditions may improve or become manageable quickly.
  5. A top Lawyer for Social Security Disability understands the nuanced distinctions that can lead to disability claims being denied. Some applicants simply do not have what the SSA considers to be a severe disability.
  6. Medical conditions must significantly impact functioning to qualify. An applicant’s earning history may also disqualify them from benefits.

Disability Earnings Tests

Aside from the disability definition, there is also criteria for earnings. Disability applicants are required to undergo two earnings tests. The first test is called a recent work test. This assessment determines the age at which an applicant became disabled. This is a crucial piece of data in the SSA’s consideration.

The second test is a duration test. Applicants must have worked long enough under Social Security. Applicants must show a certain number of work credits, based on earnings. A full year of work results in four credits.

You must demonstrate a minimum of six work credits to meet the requirement, even if you are under 22. A seasoned Social Security Disability Attorney understands these work credits well. A top lawyer also knows how lengthy and complicated the process can be. Typically, applicants must wait up to five months for processing, so applicants should apply as soon as the disability occurs.

Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits

  1. When applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, claimants have multiple options. Applicants can choose to apply online or by phone. The website for the online application is available at www.socialsecurity.gov. However, not all applicants are eligible to apply online.
  2. The website will tell the applicant if he or she is eligible to apply online. Applicants can also apply in person and by phone.
  3. If applying by phone, the claimant should call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. The applicant can also schedule an appointment to file a disability claim in-person. Once the appointment is set, applicants should find a Local Social Security Office.
  4. Applicants can search the SSA website to locate offices nearby. Search engine keywords can also help target local offices.

What Happens at a State Social Security Administration Office?

  1. If you choose to go in person, you will still need to provide the same type of information required by phone. It may help to have a social security attorney at your side. A good lawyer will understand how to present all the necessary information.
  2. Once you have arrived at a Social Security Office, an agent will thoroughly review your application to ensure you meet all the basic requirements. First, the representative will evaluate your disability conditions. Then, the reviewer will check your work credits. Finally, they will check your current work engagement.
  3. You can also search generally online with relevant search terms. You may choose to find a “Social Security Office Near Me.” You can also look in listings and other directories to find the social security location in your area.
  4. Once your application passes this stage, the office will forward your claim and case to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office of your state. Medical experts and disability specialists in the DDS office will consult with your doctors for more information.

DDS specialists will assess the following areas of your condition(s):

DDS medical specialists will consult your physicians concerning other information as well. Your doctors will likely provide information regarding your work-related activities. These activities include walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, and mental capacities.

The DDS may even request additional information beyond these areas. In the off-chance that your physicians cannot provide additional information, the DDS will have you referred for an examination. This further evaluation may be performed by your personal physician or someone else.

Most of the associated costs for this special examination will be covered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). An attorney can help throughout all of these steps.

What A Social Security Disability Lawyer Handles

  1. If any of these steps sound burdensome, you are not alone. Even well-equipped, intelligent applicants struggle. The process is full of strict and precise requirements. The criteria can be difficult to meet. For this reason, the majority of initial disability claims are denied. Many people simply fail to provide adequate information.
  2. There are many deadlines mandated by the SSA. Certain portions of documentation must be provided by certain dates. Applicants must file appeals within a certain time frame. All applications must be completed fully and properly. People who fail to meet these requirements will struggle to get approved.
  3. If your disability application is denied, you have only 60 days to file necessary documentation for your appeal.
  4. This is where a top security disability attorney can help significantly. Disability lawyers and advocates understand how best to present all information to boost your claim. An SSDI claim must not only present the pertinent medical information, it must also provide the pertinent supporting medical documentation. In other words, the SSA requires ‘proof’ of what you’re saying.

Lawyers also provide advantages in the case of appeals. There are currently four levels of social security disability appeals.

These levels include:

A sound disability advocate can thoroughly prepare you for a hearing. Without legal assistance, you may fail to provide critical evidence you need to have your claim approved.

A good attorney can even identify witnesses you need for your case. As a claimant for social security disability, you reserve the right to challenge unfavorable decisions. You also have the right to enlist a representative on your behalf. The best disability attorneys can optimize your claim in ways that you cannot.

In fact, research indicates that claimants with legal aid are significantly more likely to win appeals than claimants who are unrepresented. Those with legal aid are also significantly more likely to get approved at the initial application stage.

This level of success is the primary reason that many applicants obtain legal counsel. It is important to remember that the process is complex. The SSA relies on a very complicated set of rules and laws to make their decisions.

Lastly, it’s key to remember that not all disability attorneys are created equal. By finding an experienced attorney, not just a “Social Security disability attorney near me,” a claimant can meet all medical and vocational criteria. With the help of an attorney, an applicant can finally receive the disabled determination they need.

    Request Free Consultation

    *

    *

    *

    *


    Connect

    Scroll to top