SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS
If you are disabled and unable to work you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. If so, we can help you right away. According to the Social Security Administration, more than 60% of first time applicants are denied benefits, so trying to apply on your own can be a very risky proposition if you are in need of funds. Our experts can give you the highest possible chance of winning your claim and getting you the benefits you deserve quickly.
According to the Social Security Administration, 3 out of 10 workers will become disabled before reaching retirement age. Social Security Disability Benefits are designed to provide a safety net for those workers and we are here to make sure you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Over the course of your working life you have most likely had Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes withdrawn from your paycheck. A part of this money is intended to be available to you in the form of a benefit if you become disabled. The money is designed to supplement your income and may be provided to you either temporarily or permanently based on your needs.
Many people who contact us have questions about the program and what they can qualify for and how much their benefits will be. The amount of your benefits will be based on how much money you have paid into the system through taxes for your time working. Benefit amounts can range from as little as several hundred, to as much as several thousand dollars per month depending on the amount of contributions you have made over your working years.
We understand that this is a difficult time in your life. Our singular mission is to provide you with full support as we work on your behalf to get you the maximum amount of benefits that you are eligible for. We strive to ensure that the application process is streamlined so that you can receive your benefits without delay.
According to the Social Security Administration, 3 out of 10 workers will become disabled before reaching retirement age. Social Security Disability Benefits are designed to provide a safety net for those workers and we are here to make sure you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Over the course of your working life you have most likely had Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes withdrawn from your paycheck. A part of this money is intended to be available to you in the form of a benefit if you become disabled. The money is designed to supplement your income and may be provided to you either temporarily or permanently based on your needs.
Many people who contact us have questions about the program and what they can qualify for and how much their benefits will be. The amount of your benefits will be based on how much money you have paid into the system through taxes for your time working. Benefit amounts can range from as little as several hundred, to as much as several thousand dollars per month depending on the amount of contributions you have made over your working years.
We understand that this is a difficult time in your life. Our singular mission is to provide you with full support as we work on your behalf to get you the maximum amount of benefits that you are eligible for. We strive to ensure that the application process is streamlined so that you can receive your benefits without delay.
Why You Should Have Representation
Every person has the right to be represented by an attorney or other representative while pursuing a claim or other rights under Titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act. This right exists because is can be difficult to navigate through the sometimes very complex application process to successfully claim the benefits that you are entitled to. This gives you the ability to receive expert help from Paschall Law to work on your behalf and ensure that you receive maximum benefits as quickly as possible.
The best part is that there is no cost to you as the applicant. Nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. By law, representatives only get paid if they successfully help you obtain your benefits and this payment is made directly from the Social Security Administration to your representative. Social Security Disability Insurance applicants are generally facing difficult circumstances due to physical or psychological issues and at the National Disability Center they want to make sure that you can have the financial resources, support, and peace of mind necessary to heal. Please contact us today.
The best part is that there is no cost to you as the applicant. Nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. By law, representatives only get paid if they successfully help you obtain your benefits and this payment is made directly from the Social Security Administration to your representative. Social Security Disability Insurance applicants are generally facing difficult circumstances due to physical or psychological issues and at the National Disability Center they want to make sure that you can have the financial resources, support, and peace of mind necessary to heal. Please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
- What are the work requirements to qualify for Social Security Disability?
- How does the Social Security Administration define Disability?
- How much income can I earn and still be considered disabled?
- Is my condition "Severe" enough to qualify for Disability benefits?
- What conditions qualify as being disabled?
- What if I might be able to work but not do the work I was previously doing?
- What does the National Disability Center need from me to process my application?
- How long does the application process take?
- How much does it cost to get professional representation?
- What percentage of first time applications are successful?
- Should I apply online for SSDI benefits?
- Can I receive retroactive benefits if I have been disabled for awhile before applying?
- If I have already applied and been turned down how long do I have to file an appeal?
1. How do I qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. In general, they pay monthly cash benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.
Benefits usually continue until you are able to work again on a regular basis. There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work.
If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same.
The SSA basically will look at 5 questions.
- Are you working?
- Is your condition "severe"?
- Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions?
- Can you do the work you did previously?
- Can you do any other types of work?
2. What are the work requirements to qualify for Social Security Disability?
In addition to meeting the definition of disability, you must have worked long enough--and recently enough--under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits.
Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year.
The amount needed for a credit changes from year to year. In 2013, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,160 of wages or self-employment income. When you've earned $4,640, you've earned your four credits for the year.
The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
3. How does the Social Security Administration define Disability?
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.
"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
- You cannot do work that you did before;
- We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
4. How much income can I earn and still be considered disabled?
If you are working in 2013 and your earnings average more than $1,040 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled.
5. Is my condition "Severe" enough to qualify for Disability benefits?
Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, SSA will find that you are not disabled.
6. What conditions qualify as being disabled?
These conditions are in what is referred to as the Blue Book. We can advise you in your initial consultation as to whether or not you can qualify so feel free to ask. There are too many to be listed here but you can always reference the SSA website for the full list if you would like. Part A is for adult disabilities while Part B is for childhood disabilities. This information can be complicated to look at so it is usually best to simply contact us and allow us to do the appropriate research for you.
7. What if I might be able to work but not do the work I was previously doing?
If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the approved list of conditions, then SSA must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If SSA cannot be convinced that it does interfere, your claim will be denied.
8. What does the National Disability Center need from me to process my application?
- Your Social Security number and proof of your age;
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that took care of you and the dates of your visits;
- Names and dosages of all the medications you are taking;
- Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers, that you already have in your possession;
- Laboratory and test results;
- A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did; and
- Your most recent W-2 form or, if you were self-employed, a copy of your federal tax return.
9. How long does the application process take?
Social Security Disability applications can take as little as 30 days or as long as several years to be approved. This is why it is so important to get help filing your initial application or during the appeals process. The average case takes about 3-6 months if handled properly and can vary state by state. Our experts will always do everything possible to expedite your claims and get your benefits to you immediately.
10. How much does it cost to get professional representation?
There is no out of pocket or upfront cost to you as the applicant to apply for Social Security Disability benefits other than possible expenses relating to obtaining medical records from you doctor. We only get paid if we win your case and the funds are paid to us directly from the Social Security Administration. By law no one can charge you an upfront fee to apply.
11. What percentage of first time applications are successful?
Approximately 65% of initial claims are denied and approximately 85% reconsiderations (which is the first step of the appeals process) are denied. Do not be another statistic and contact us today. Having a representative greatly increases your chances of winning a claim.
12. Should I apply online for SSDI benefits?
It may look relatively straightforward to fill out an SSDI application online, however the process is usually much more complicated. The reason why the vast majority of initial applicants who file themselves are denied the first time. After an initial denial it can take many more months or over years to claim your much needed benefits. It is for this reason that individuals obtain representation so that the application is filed correctly the first time. This will give you the best possible chance of receiving your maximum benefits as quickly as possible.
13. Can I receive retroactive benefits if I have been disabled for awhile before applying?
Yes. As long as you were disabled and have not worked, you can receive retroactive payments for up to 12 months prior to your application date.
14. If I have already applied and been turned down how long do I have to file an appeal?
You will typically have 60 days to appeal an unfavorable decision.