Social Security Disability benefits are designed to help workers across the country receive much-needed financial relief at a time when illness or disability prevents them from working.
At Disability.Law, our experienced team helps clients all over the country:
- Understand their rights
- Navigate the intricacies of the system
- File their initial application
- Work through the emotional appeals process
If you have a qualifying disability and cannot work for an extended period of time, we can help you navigate the Social Security Disability (SSD) claims process.
Call or contact us to schedule your free consultation.
SSD Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers benefits for anyone with a qualifying disability and enough work credits. You cannot receive benefits until the sixth full month of being disabled, and benefit ranges vary year by year.
Benefits are calculated based on your lifetime average earnings prior to your disability.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses what is known as average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) to calculate your monthly benefits.
Your benefits may be impacted if you receive:
- Pension
- Public disability benefits
- Workers’ compensation
Calculations by the SSA may find that you’re entitled to back pay, depending on the date of your disability and when you applied for your benefits.
We can help you better understand the benefits you may receive, but you can also use the SSA’s calculator for a more precise estimate of your SSD benefits.
Eligibility for SSD Benefits
Prior to applying for your Social Security Disability benefits, it’s always a smart choice to determine your eligibility. You must:
- Have maintained a job that you paid into Social Security
- Reach the required work credits, which vary by age, but normally is 40 work credits (you can earn four per year) of which 20 were earned in the last 10 years
- Be expected to be unable to work for a year or more due to a qualifying medical condition
If you meet the definition of disability by the SSA, you can receive benefits. SSD is only available for those who expect to have a total disability for a year or more. If you have a partial disability or short-term disability, your application will be denied.
The SSA will use multiple criteria when approving your disability claim. You must be unable to perform the work you did prior to the disability, you must also be unable to adjust to or perform another type of work, and your condition must be expected to last at least a year.
Which Medical Conditions Qualify for SSD Benefits?
Eligibility for SSD benefits will largely depend on whether you have a qualifying medical condition. The Social Security Disability Blue Book outlines the impairments that meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
These conditions include but are not limited to:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Endocrine disorders
- Digestive conditions
- Respiratory diseases
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Immune system disorders
If your impairment is not listed in the Blue Book, you may still qualify for benefits under certain conditions. Having a condition that falls into one of the Blue Book categories and matches the SSA’s severity requirements may improve your odds of being approved.
Filing an SSD Claim: How it Works and What to Expect
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits should be a straightforward process, but most applicants quickly find out that it’s more complex and overwhelming than they anticipated.
The SSA will want to see medical evidence supporting your need for benefits and other information, including:
- Medical tests you’ve received
- Doctor’s reports and medical records
- A list of medication(s) you’re taking (if any)
- The contact information of your healthcare providers
- Your earnings and work history, including W-2 forms and a list of your past employers
- Personal information, including the contact information of two people who know about your condition and can help with your claim
- Proof of any other workers’ compensation-style benefits you may have received, such as pay stubs, award letters or settlement agreements
You will need to provide an extensive amount of information, and If your application is not complete, it may be denied. You must also have been disabled for at least five months before you apply for benefits. The SSA wants to ensure that the condition is long-term or permanent and not just a short-term impairment.
One of the biggest hurdles applicants face is ensuring they provide the right documentation to support their claim. Here’s where working with a knowledgeable disability lawyer can give you an advantage. A lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure that you provide the SSA with the right supporting documents.
The entire application process can take at least an hour, and you can apply online, over the phone or in person.
Here’s what to expect:
- The first step is to complete and submit your application, along with all supporting documents.
- You may be asked to submit additional forms and information. These forms should be completed and returned as quickly as possible.
- Your claim will be reviewed.
- The SSA will make a decision and inform you of that decision. If your claim is denied, you will be given a reason why it was rejected.
- If denied, the next step is to file a reconsideration or appeal. You can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.
A lawyer can help make the process of filing for benefits or appealing an unfavorable decision less stressful.
Why Choose Disability.Law?
If an injury or illness is preventing you from returning to work, you may be feeling lost, overwhelmed and unsure of which steps to take next. You may qualify for SSD benefits, but navigating the process on your own can be challenging. One misstep can lead to a denial and a delay in the benefits you need and deserve.
The knowledgeable lawyers at Disability.Law can guide you through the entire process, from filing for Social Security Disability benefits to appeals if necessary. We are a top-rated firm with more than 400 Google reviews from satisfied clients.
Our attorneys help clients nationwide secure the disability benefits they deserve. Our experienced, skilled legal team understands Social Security Disability laws and is committed to delivering the personalized legal guidance necessary to meet your legal needs.
Contact us online or call us to schedule your free consultation.