How Can An Attorney Help You Get SSDI Benefits
Do you have a disability? Are you disabled and unable to work because of it? If so, then you might need SSDI benefits. This article will give information about what SSDI is, how an attorney can help with the process, and other helpful tips for getting your disability claim approved.
Social Security Disability Can Be A Complicated Process
There are many forms to fill out and different steps that must be followed to qualify for benefits, which is why it’s crucial not to attempt the application process without an attorney. A Laporte Lawyers will help you with preparing all of your medical records, completing the paperwork accurately, filing appeals if necessary, and much more throughout this whole process. One way or another whether through hiring legal counsel early on during the application phase or after receiving notice that there was already approval then knowing someone who has expertise about SSD claims could potentially benefit you immensely when applying for Social Security Disability benefits so don’t hesitate because now is always better than later!
What is SSDI?
The Social Security Disability Insurance program, often referred to as SSDI, provides monthly income support for disabled workers. The SSA administers this federal government benefit that is funded by payroll taxes.
To receive benefits from the SSD plan, you must have earned enough work credits under your name in a specified period before becoming disabled. In other words, if you haven’t worked long enough or recently enough before being denied because of a disability then there will be no entitlement for an award since it’s not considered fully insured status under the law. There are two types of entitlements: one where you can qualify through medical evidence and another instance where qualification occurs automatically after working at least five full years in which earnings were paid into the Social Security Trust Funds.
Benefits of SSDI
There are many benefits to receiving SSDI. The first is that you will receive up to six months of retroactive payments starting the month after your disability began or three full months prior if approved for expedited processing. This can be especially helpful in paying bills and keeping up with necessary monthly expenses while waiting on the decision from Social Security Disability Insurance.
The second benefit is that there’s no limit as to how long you may collect SSD, so this income support doesn’t run out like other forms of assistance unless Congress changes entitlement laws down the line. And finally, working-age adults who have disabilities but cannot work due to their medical conditions don’t need any special skills or training because every case has its requirements under which one must meet to be found disabled.
SSDI Eligibility Requirements
An attorney can help you understand what SSDI eligibility requirements are so that you know if your claim will be accepted. According to the Social Security Administration, applicants for disability benefits must have worked in employment or self-employment long enough over a certain time to have earned the required amount of “work credits.”
Applicants who haven’t earned enough work credits may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The monthly benefit varies based on age and marital status; however, it is not tied directly to work history like SSDI benefits are. Applicants could also qualify under special rules called “Medical-Vocational Guidelines” which take into account their education level and ability to do other types of physical or mental work.
SSDI Application & Appeal Process
When the disability claims examiner rules against you at the initial stage of a review or when they make no decision within 45 days, you have 60 days from receiving this notice (or 90 days after mailing) to file a request for reconsideration which will be decided by someone other than who made the original ruling. Generally speaking, there’s not much difference between what these judges decide except that each has his/her own “style”.
If you lose at the reconsideration level, or if that office makes no ruling within another 45 days (or 60 days after mailing), then you have only 30 days from receipt of their decision to file a request for hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. These judges tend to be very experienced and they’re good at what they do. However, your chances will increase greatly by having an attorney represent you as opposed to trying this on your own. You should not expect consistent results here because each judge has his/her own opinions about these cases and how the law applies to them.
An attorney can help you get SSDI benefits by filing all the paperwork needed, explaining your options to you, and ensuring that your claim is filed on time. They will also make sure your appeal includes everything it needs for there to be a strong case against denial of benefits. Working with an experienced disability lawyer may give you better chances of getting your claim approved.
