- Do You Qualify for SSDI?
- Proving Disability for Different Medical Conditions
- How Long Can I Receive Benefits?
- What to Do if the SSA Rejects Your Claim
- Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer
A disability can leave you without the means to provide for yourself and your family. The Social Security system provides thousands of citizens with the support they need if they cannot work. Despite this support system being in place, many people don’t know that they can collect benefits for their disability.
Receiving a denial letter can leave claimants discouraged and without the will to pursue their case further. Working with the experienced social security disability lawyers at Nessler & Associates can maximize your chances of success in receiving the payments you need.
Do You Qualify for SSDI?
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), applicants must demonstrate that they have a qualifying disability as defined by the Social Security Administration.
To do so, applicants must provide medical evidence of their disability that meets strict criteria.
- The disability is expected to last for at least a year or result in death.
- It must prevent the applicant from engaging in any substantial income-producing activity. As the SSA defines it, substantial gainful activity is work that earns more than a predetermined monthly amount.
- The applicant must be unable to perform basic work activities, such as walking, sitting, lifting, and remembering.
If an applicant can demonstrate that they meet all these requirements, they will likely receive approval for SSDI benefits.
Proving Disability for Different Medical Conditions
Many medical conditions can qualify a person for Social Security disability benefits. Each condition has its own requirements that applicants must meet to receive benefits.
People who suffer from any of the following disorders are eligible for disability benefits:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Certain congenital disorders
- Digestive disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Genitourinary disorders
- Hematological disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Mental disorders
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Respiratory disorders
- Skin disorders
- Special senses and speech
Children under age 18 may qualify for several of the same conditions. In addition to the disorders that apply to adults, children may be eligible due to low birth weight and failure to thrive.
Conditions such as cancer or heart disease may qualify a person for benefits if they can prove that the condition prevents them from working. However, other conditions, such as autism or schizophrenia, may require more extensive documentation to receive benefits.
What Factors Automatically Qualify You for Disability?
Several factors can automatically qualify you for Social Security disability benefits. The most common factor is a physical impairment that prevents you from being able to work. Other factors include mental impairments, chronic health conditions, and certain types of cancer.
The most common disabilities that lead to automatic qualification for monthly benefits include:
- Autism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hearing loss
- Intellectual disorders
- Sensory problems
- Speech issues
What if Your Medical Condition Is Not on SSA’s Listing?
If your condition is not on the list, that doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for disability benefits. The SSA will still consider your case, considering your age, education, past work experience, and any other relevant medical evidence. Even if your condition is not on the list, you may still be found disabled if the SSA determines that your condition prevents you from doing any substantial work.
The best way to determine if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits is to consult with a qualified disability attorney. They can review your medical records and advise you on the best course of action.
How Long Can I Receive Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines how long you will receive Social Security benefits. The Social Security program provides benefits to retired workers and their families. They also offer benefits to survivors of deceased workers and people with disabilities. Benefits are based on your lifetime earnings and the number of years you’ve worked.
You can start receiving social security benefits as early as age 62, but doing so will permanently reduce your monthly payment. Your benefits will be greater if you wait until you reach full retirement age. If you choose to continue to work after reaching full retirement age, your benefits increase with each extra year of work.
What to Do if the SSA Rejects Your Claim
The SSA handles numerous claims every year for Social Security disability insurance. Unfortunately, this results in many claim denials, even if the claimant qualifies for benefits. This can be disappointing for applicants who need financial help to sustain themselves and their family members.
If you receive an initial denial, despite expecting to qualify, you can work with a disability benefits attorney at Nessler & Associates who is familiar with the appeals process. They can help you in the following ways:
Provide new medical evidence
We can review your medical records and suggest additional medical examinations that can help prove your case.
File a reconsideration
A request for reconsideration lets the Social Security Administration re-examine your case if you disagree with the denial. An experienced attorney can represent you and gather additional evidence to support your disability claim.
Schedule an administrative law judge hearing
You may request a hearing with an administrative law judge if your case is evaluated and refused again. The judge will examine your cases and question medical experts about the severity of your disability.
If you are attending an administrative hearing, it is important that you have a disability attorney to advocate for your interests. We can take your case further with an Appeals Council review of your case. If you receive a denial from the Appeals Council, we can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf in federal court.
Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer
Hiring the experienced attorneys at Nessler & Associates to handle the disability application process can give you peace of mind, knowing that your case is in capable hands. If you’ve received a rejection of your initial application, we can gather compelling evidence for your case claim and act as your legal representative during the appeals process.
Call our law firm today at (800) 727-8010 to speak with qualified social security disability attorneys in a free, confidential consultation. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless your claim gets approved.
