You’re hurt and unable to work. All of a sudden, you’re in a very helpless position with mounting medical expenses and cost of living bills. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits seem like a logical place to turn.
According to the foundational principles of the Social Security Administration’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) program, you should be able to readily access benefits from a system you’ve paid into your whole life. The unfortunate fact about SSD is that thousands of deserving American workers are regularly denied SSD benefits, even after multiple appeals. The application and appeal processes are designed to prevent abuse of the system, which often ends up discouraging those who need benefits from fighting against unfair denials.
SSD Eligibility
Before you submit your initial SSD application, make sure you qualify for SSD benefits under the current system’s qualification rules. There are a variety of types of documentation you’ll need to submit with your application, including medical records and work history evidence.
Good candidates for SSD have the following qualifications:
- They worked 5 of the past 10 years, paying Social Security taxes.
- They are considered permanently, totally disabled according to the SSA’s disability guidelines.
- They have earned the required amount of work credits by working a designated number of years based on age at time of disability.
If you do not meet certain criteria for past work history, you may be able to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSD Legal Guidance
No matter what stage of the SSD process you are in, an experienced Social Security Disability Insurance lawyer can provide many distinct advantages over applying alone. Your attorney can help you understand SSD vs. SSI and let you know which program to apply for. A legal professional can also dispel some of the common myths about SSD and steer you on the right track to successful application.
If your first application does get denied, your attorney can review the four options in the SSD appeals process and help you build a strong argument for appeal. Keep in mind that even if you qualify for SSD benefits, you will not be eligible to receive benefit checks for a minimum of five months after the date the Administration recognizes the onset of your disability.
If you’d like to know more about the SSD application process and talk to a legal professional about your chances of receiving benefits, please contact a local SSD lawyer.
Please explore our website and if you have questions or need further assistance, please e-mail the SSD Law Resource Center by completing the form to the right. We are here to help.