Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration. SSD benefits are available to assist Americans who cannot work because they’ve become disabled, either through a physical injury, disease, or mental/neurological disorder. Benefits may also be available to spouses or dependents of disabled individuals. Although there are thousands of people applying everyday for SSD benefits, they are not easy to come by.
Total, Permanent Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is very specific in it’s definition of disability. Applicants who are granted benefits must have a condition that affects their ability to work, and the disability must not be expected to persist for 12 months or longer. As you might imagine, the Administration needs to receive evidence from medical professionals proving the disability meets their strict criteria and confirming the permanence of the condition.
SSD disabilities that may be considered for eligibility include a long list of diseases, injuries, and mental/neural disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, total brain injury (TBI), asthma, and schizophrenia.
Keep in mind that simply becoming disabled is not sufficient to receive benefits. In order to qualify for the program, you must demonstrate that you have worked long enough and paid a significant amount of Social Security (FICA) taxes during your working years.
Hiring an SSD Lawyer
The SSA does not require applicants to hire an attorney in order to apply for benefits. However, an applicant who is guided by a skilled SSD lawyer from the SSD application stage may be in a better position to be granted an approval than a first-time applicant with no knowledge of the process.
From initial application to the various stages of appeal, your lawyer can assist you with every step, including managing paperwork, producing evidence of disability, and working to get an approval as soon as possible. Please visit our page on Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for more information on the benefits of legal counsel.
If you’d like to learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance and find out if you are eligible to receive benefits, a skilled SSD attorney can assist you. Please search our SSD lawyer database to locate a professional in your area.
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.