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The process for obtaining Social Security Disability Income (“SSDI”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI), if available, can be dauting and complex. Approximately 70% of all Social Security Disability Insurance applications are initially denied, leaving many people feeling destitute.
Many claimants who are initially denied benefits in fact qualify for such benefits – both medically, and from their work history. The Social Security Administration (“SSA”), however, has a stringent approval process, such that those who don’t meet the strict (and sometimes complex) claims process requirements must be denied benefits. When benefits are initially denied, claimants will suffer from not have the money available to which they are entitled when they need it.
We help clients in the initial process of seeking benefits. With our experience in knowing how the SSA works, we are able to ensure that all likely information is properly submitted at the outset, with the goal of getting a claim accepted based upon the initial filing (although neither we, nor any other attorney, can guaranty that a claim will be approved, or that additional information won’t be requested).
We also help clients in social security disability benefit appeals. If you were denied SSDI or SSI benefits, The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, as an experienced Wytheville Social Security disability lawyers, can help. With more than 30 years of experience helping injured and disabled clients seek benefits and compensation, Mark can review your claim and denial, and explain how he may be able to help in the appeals process.
SSDI benefits are designed to provide compensation to workers who are no longer able to work as a result of a disability. Of Wytheville’s nearly 8,000 residents, approximately 4.3% are collecting SSDI. These benefits partially replace some of the income that recipients will lose during the rest of their expected work life. And, in many cases, their SSDI can extend up until age 65, at which time traditional retirement benefits may begin.
Under the law, a physician’s statement certifying that a person is disabled is not enough to solely substantiate a disabling condition; the following must be satisfied for a person to be considered disabled and eligible for SSDI:
The SSA generally takes the position that disability applicants do not qualify for benefits unless they can satisfy all the cumbersome SSDI requirements. Further, the SSA is required to reject a claim if requirements, such as the submission of all required medical records, have not been satisfied, even if the SSA reviewer believes that the applicant qualifies.
At the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, our focus is on meticulously preparing the initial application, with the goal of receiving an approval at the outset and getting benefits for clients as expeditiously as possible.
The majority of initial SSDI applications are denied, leaving roughly 70% of applicants temporarily or permanently without disability benefits. Often, these denials are attributable to application errors or improper documentation.
Applicants at any stage of the SSDI process can benefit from seeking help from an experienced Social Security disability attorney. At the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we have significant experience in filing Social Security disability applications, and we understand how to avoid many of the common application pitfalls. The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt will personally handle your case and utilize this experience to help increase your chances of being awarded SSDI benefits at the initial filing.
If your SSDI application has been denied, you can appeal this decision. At the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we have successfully represented numerous disabled clients and helped them get the benefits they deserve.
Denials can be appealed in administrative hearings, which are similar to court proceedings but somewhat less formal. Many times, the main dispute revolves around the extent and permanency of a disability, and the evidence offered to prove eligibility.
Firm founder Mark Hurt, a Duke Law School graduate, has been representing clients for over three decades. The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt understands the level of proof that must be shown to prevail, and he will fight vigorously to help secure the benefits you deserve.
We do not collect a fee unless we successfully secure benefits for you. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis equal to 25% of the backpay amount. Typically, this amount is capped at $7,200 by the SSA, with a few exceptions. We do not receive a fee for future payments that are not yet due.
Our fee (if an award is made) is usually paid directly to our firm by the SSA. As a client, you will be responsible for paying some miscellaneous expenses, such as the costs to acquire medical records. We will provide a fee agreement (which governs our representation with respect to these matters) outlining the fees and costs. At the outset of our engagement, we will be happy to explain these matters and answer any questions that you may have.
We want to hear about your SSDI claim without you having to worry about incurring a bill. At the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we do not charge for the first meeting, so that you have the time to fully tell us about your claim (and we can explain about how we can help, and the benefits to which you may be entitled).
We invite you to call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
“We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.“
