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If you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working, getting approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be invaluable. Whether your condition is full or partial, temporary or permanent, you need financial assistance to replace the income you can no longer earn.
Applying for disability benefits can pose a challenge, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies many applications. These denials do not necessarily reflect how qualified the applicant is for disability, however. Often, the problem is with the application itself and the documentation provided in support of the claim.
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, our experienced disability lawyers understand these challenges. We assist clients through the complex process of applying for disability benefits and fight to get your benefits approved. We can also assist you if your claim has been denied.
Disability lawyers in Virginia assist people with all types of mental and physical challenges that prevent them from working.
The SSA follows a published guideline, Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, also known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book lists many conditions, both mental and physical, that the SSA recognizes as potentially debilitating. If you have a condition that is listed in this guideline, it may make the application process more straightforward.
The primary categories listed in the SSA guidelines include:
If your condition is not listed in the Blue Book, you can still qualify for benefits. However, if the SSA does not already recognize your condition in its guidelines, your application may require additional documentation to obtain approval.
The SSA offers two classifications of disability benefits: SSDI, the most common type of disability benefit, and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. Both programs provide financial compensation to people who cannot work due to a disability. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for one or both of these programs.
SSDI disability is for individuals who have, through past employment, paid sufficient FICA (payroll) taxes to qualify for benefits. As you pay FICA, you earn credits toward eligibility.
If you have not earned sufficient credits to qualify for SSDI, you may qualify for SSI. In some cases, an adult child or a widowed or divorced spouse of a qualified disabled worker can receive benefits.
To get approved for SSDI or SSI benefits, you must meet the qualifications of the program and you must meet the SSA disability standards. The SSA defines someone with a disability as someone who cannot engage in gainful work activities because of a provable (medically determinable) impairment (mental or physical). Your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months, although you do not have to wait that long to apply. You may also qualify for disability if your condition is life-threatening, even if it might not affect your ability to work for the entire 12 months.
The best way to determine whether you may qualify for one or both types of disability benefits is to discuss your situation with a disability attorney in Virginia. An experienced attorney can explain the different types of benefits and help you determine which program is best suited to your needs and qualifications.
The SSA has a formalized process for applying for SSDI and SSI. You must follow their process to the letter. Otherwise, you increase your risk of having your claim denied.
As with any government agency, SSA staff members process hundreds of applications every day. Often, when people handle their own disability benefit applications, they include every possible record or document available. SSA claims reviewers don’t have time to sift through piles of paperwork, test results, doctor’s notes, etc., to look for the information they need to determine whether you qualify for benefits.
However, when the SSA has the right information to make a determination about a disability, your chances of getting an approval increase substantially.
A critical component of your application is a doctor’s report known as the residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. It is not enough to simply demonstrate that you have a specific disorder or condition. Your application must demonstrate that your condition prevents you from performing specific activities related to your job duties.
One of the primary reasons that the SSA denies claims is the applicant’s failure to demonstrate this key factor.
Having an experienced disability attorney to help with your disability benefits application can improve your chances of getting your claim approved. Attorneys can help you get the necessary documentation from medical experts and use their resources to complete your application correctly and fully. This can save you time, effort, and heartache while improving your chances of getting your benefits approved quickly.
The time it takes to get a Social Security Disability Insurance approval can vary based on several factors.
Typically, the initial review of your claim can take from three to six months. However, the volume of claims being handled by the SSA can fluctuate throughout the year. The busier they are, the longer the review process can take.
You must also observe the SSA’s mandatory waiting period of five months from the established onset date (EOD) of your disability. In other words, SSA will not approve your application unless you have been disabled for at least five months. That’s not to say you can’t submit your application before that time—you can. But your benefits won’t kick in until you hit the five-month mark.
Having an experienced attorney to handle your claim can help reduce the chance of there being a problem with your application, helping you get benefits approved as quickly as possible.
Receiving a denial of your SSDI or SSI application can be devastating. You’re already suffering from a disability, unable to work or earn a living. Learning that your benefit checks won’t start arriving soon can feel like the end of the world.
The good news is that even if your claim has been denied, you can still get an approval through the appeals process.
The SSA denies disability benefits claims for a variety of reasons. They may deny that you have a condition that qualifies as a disability. Even if they acknowledge your mental or physical disorder, they may deny that your condition prevents you from working. More often, however, the SSA denies claims simply because the application or supporting documentation is incomplete or incorrect.
If you receive a denial of your claim, you have only 60 days to request a reconsideration. Contact an SSDI lawyer as soon as possible if you do get a denial, so you don’t risk missing this critical deadline. Making sure your application is complete and accurate is critical at this stage. If you receive another denial of your reconsideration, the next step is to appeal your claim and go before an administrative law judge. This can extend the approval process for months or even years.
With one of our experienced Virginia disability claim attorneys on your side, you will have a powerful advocate fighting for you. We understand the process and how to move your claim through as quickly as possible. Our extensive network of doctors and medical experts also understands the SSA processes. This ensures your application has all the information necessary to get an approval.
Throughout the process, we will be there for you. We will explain your options and answer your questions. We provide regular updates so you always know what’s going on with your claim. We understand what you’re going through, and we will do everything we can to get the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Understanding your rights and benefits can be complicated, but our social security disability lawyers are here to help. Read on to see some common questions about social security.
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, an individual must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. Generally, this means having a severe, long-term, or total disability that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The condition must be medically determinable and significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities. Our social security disability lawyers can help determine if your condition qualifies and assist in the application process.
The time it takes to receive Social Security Disability benefits after applying can vary greatly. It typically takes about three to five months for an initial decision. However, if your application is denied and you need to appeal, the process can take much longer. Working with experienced lawyers can sometimes expedite the process and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two different programs provided by the Social Security Administration. SSDI is available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through their payroll taxes. SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. Our lawyers can help clarify which program you may be eligible for and guide you through the application process for either program.
Yes, you can work while receiving Social Security Disability benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn. The Social Security Administration allows beneficiaries to work and still receive benefits under certain conditions, considering it a trial work period. This period lets you test your ability to work for at least nine months. However, the amount you can earn without affecting your benefits changes each year. It’s advisable to consult with an experienced lawyer to understand how working may affect your benefits.
If your Social Security Disability claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. The appeal process has several levels, including reconsideration, a hearing by an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court review. It’s crucial to be aware of the strict timelines for filing appeals. Having the support of a knowledgeable legal team can be critical in successfully navigating the appeals process.
The journey to obtaining Social Security Disability benefits can be complex and frustrating. That’s where The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt come in. With our expertise and commitment to our clients, we strive to simplify the process and work tirelessly to help you obtain the benefits you deserve. If you have questions about Social Security Disability or need assistance with an application or appeal, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
We’re here to offer the support and guidance you need and to fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation, and see how our social security disability lawyers can help.
Becoming disabled can be overwhelming, frightening, and confusing. Fortunately, you don’t have to face the frustration of the SSDI application process alone.
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we understand your frustration and fear. For more than a quarter-century, we have been fighting to get our clients the benefits they deserve.
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service, and we are selective with the cases we take so we can serve you best. We will work tirelessly to help protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for you.
For a free consultation with one of our experienced disability lawyers, contact us today.
“After my husband’s Social Security Disability claim was denied, I contacted Mark Hurt’s law firm. Jessica was extremely helpful and patiently explained every step of the process. We were thrilled to find out that his claim has now been approved. I am so pleased with the results due to Jessica’s efforts. I would highly recommend this firm for any Social Security/Disability issues.”
