Tag: qualify for disability benefits

Anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to work and carry out daily activities. For some individuals, the symptoms of anxiety can be severe enough to warrant disability payments. However, applying for SSDI for anxiety disorders can be a complex process that presents several challenges.

SSDI and Anxiety

One of the primary concerns when applying for disability payments for anxiety disorders is that these conditions can be difficult to diagnose and quantify. Unlike physical disabilities, the symptoms of anxiety disorders can be subjective and difficult to measure. Additionally, some people with anxiety disorders may have periods of remission or symptoms that fluctuate, which can complicate the evaluation process.

Applying for Disability with Anxiety

Another issue that arises with disability claims for anxiety disorders is that they may be denied initially, even if the person meets the criteria for disability. This can happen if the application is incomplete or if the medical evidence is not sufficient to support the claim. In some cases, the applicant may need to go through an appeals process, which can be time-consuming and difficult.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to obtain disability payments for anxiety disorders. The likelihood of approval depends on several factors, including the severity of the symptoms, the duration of the condition, and the impact it has on the person’s ability to work. In general, the more severe and persistent the symptoms, the higher the chances of approval.

Get the Help of a Disability Attorney

Working with an attorney can be beneficial for individuals who are seeking disability payments for anxiety disorders. An attorney can help navigate the complex application process and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted. They can also represent the applicant during an appeal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and provide legal guidance throughout the process.

To increase the chances of approval for a mental health-related disability claim, it is important to provide as much detailed information as possible. This may include medical records, treatment history, and statements from mental health professionals who have treated the applicant. The more evidence that is available to support the claim, the stronger the case will be.

In addition to medical records and treatment history, it can be helpful to provide a detailed description of how the anxiety disorder affects daily life and work. This may include information on how the symptoms impact the ability to concentrate, complete tasks, and interact with others. Providing a clear picture of how the disorder affects the ability to function can be crucial in demonstrating the need for disability payments.

While obtaining disability payments for anxiety disorders can be a challenging process, it is possible with the right documentation and legal support. While there is no guarantee of approval, providing detailed medical records and treatment history, as well as working with an experienced attorney, can increase the chances of success. Ultimately, the goal of disability payments is to provide support for individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental health condition, and those who meet the criteria for disability should not hesitate to pursue this option. Contact one of the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for assistance in applying for SSDI for anxiety. 

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) are two types of government programs designed to provide financial assistance to those who are unable to work or have limited income. While these programs are helpful for those who are eligible, they can also have an impact on other government benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. Does social security disability count as income? Find out how getting disability benefits can affect ACA and other government program eligibility. 

Calculating Overall Income

When it comes to calculating overall income, SSDI and SSI payments are both considered sources of income. However, the way these payments are treated can differ depending on the program in question. For example, when determining eligibility for Medicaid, both SSDI and SSI payments are counted as income. This means that if your income exceeds the Medicaid income limit, you may not be eligible for the program. In some cases, individuals may need to spend down their income or assets in order to qualify for Medicaid.

Similarly, when it comes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SSDI and SSI payments are counted as income. However, the amount of the payment is also taken into consideration. This means that if you receive a large SSDI or SSI payment, your SNAP benefit may be reduced or eliminated entirely. On the other hand, if your SSDI or SSI payment is relatively small, you may still be eligible for SNAP.

Affordable Care Act and SSDI

When it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), SSDI and SSI payments are not considered when determining eligibility for insurance. This means that even if you receive SSDI or SSI payments, you may still be eligible for ACA insurance. However, it is important to note that other factors, such as household income, may still impact eligibility. Additionally, those who receive SSDI or SSI may also be eligible for Medicare, which is a government-funded health insurance program for those over the age of 65 or certain disability recipients.

It is important to note that while SSDI and SSI payments are considered income for certain government programs, they are not considered taxable income by the IRS. This means that you will not have to pay taxes on your SSDI or SSI payments.

Consult with a Disability Attorney

Overall, SSDI and SSI payments can have a significant impact on your eligibility for other government programs. If you are receiving these types of payments, it is important to understand how they may impact your ability to receive benefits like Medicaid, ACA, SNAP, or other assistance programs. By working with one of the experienced disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill, you can confirm how your application for SSDI will affect other benefits you may be receiving and whether or not you will remain eligible for them in the future. Visit the website to schedule a free evaluation. 

How to Prepare for the Medical Review Process

If you have an upcoming disability hearing, you may feel nervous and worry that you are unprepared. We understand that this process can be intimidating, but with the help of an attorney, you can learn how to prepare for a disability hearing. 

Start with An Application

Before you can request a hearing, you will need to complete an application. There are some risks of applying for disability on your own, so hiring a disability attorney to help can increase your chances of being awarded disability. 

Gather Medical Evidence

There are various pieces of evidence you will need to provide when appearing at a hearing for disability benefits. This tends to be one of the most challenging parts of the hearing preparation since you will need: 

  • Medical evidence
  • The medical evidence that you have available will depend on your condition, but may include physician notes, surgical records, hospital or emergency room records, medical tests, lab work, and records from other healthcare professionals.

Get Expert Opinions or Statements

Part of your case file should include statements from a medical expert. This can be your primary physician, or another doctor that you have a long-standing relationship with that can support your claim. They can write a formal statement with details about your condition as well as a “Residual Functional Capacity” report form. You will want to have all of this information before your hearing is scheduled so you can submit them to the judge. You can also include statements from friends, family, social workers, former employers, or others who can speak to the extent of your disability and ability to work. 

Hire a Disability Attorney

As mentioned above, hiring a disability attorney can significantly increase your chances of being approved during your hearing. Your attorney will be present for your disability hearing and offer support during the entire process. Hiring a disability attorney is even recommended by many judges since it’s a difficult process to navigate without experience. An attorney can help you get it right the first time and potentially help you avoid the need to appeal your disability claim further.  

Meeting with Your Attorney

There are many details of your claim that will be a part of your disability hearing. One of the advantages of working with the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill over other attorneys is we meet with our clients prior to hearings. Some others do this, but some only meet clients on the day of the hearing. Much of this is done by phone, but during our pre-hearing conferences, we essentially do a practice testimony. We ask clients questions that will likely be asked by the judge during the hearing and get to know the client’s conditions and daily activities better. We try to understand how their individual disability affects them. The attorneys will ask many of the questions that the judge might ask during the hearing. It’s good practice for the client and a good way for the attorney to prepare for the testimony. 

Understand the Hearing Process

One of the things that may make you feel comfortable in how to prepare for a disability hearing is simply understanding what the hearing process is like so you know what to expect. Most disability hearings are the same, with minor differences based on the preferences of your judge. The process can be broken down into these basic parts:

  • You and the vocational expert will be sworn in by the court reporter
  • The Administrative Law Judge will begin asking you questions about your work history and what restrictions you currently have
  • The Administrative Law Judge will ask the vocational expert questions about their option of how someone with your disabilities may be able to perform certain jobs
  • The SSA may call a medical expert in to examine medical data in your case
  • The vocational expert may be asked questions that suggest you could perform other jobs and your disability attorney can object and/or ask additional questions to clarify
  • Your disability attorney may cross-examine the vocational expert

Contact the Disability Attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

Knowing how to prepare for a disability hearing can significantly increase your chances of being approved. It is wise to have social security disability representation throughout the application process and during your hearing. If you still have questions about what happens at a disability hearing, contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for a free consultation.

 

When you’re unable to work due to a medical condition but still need a steady source of income, it may feel hopeless. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits for those with qualifying medical conditions through the SSDI and SSI programs. So, what benefits are available and how do you know if you qualify for disability benefits? 

How Do You Qualify for SSDI?

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits program is available for those who have worked most of their life and paid into the social security system. Under the SSA, you must meet a variety of requirements:

  • The most basic requirement is that you are unable to do the work you used to perform.
  • The SSA also must determine that you are unable to adjust to doing another job
  • You must also have a medical condition that is severe and expected to persist for at least one year or result in death. 

SSA will also determine if you qualify for disability benefits by determining if you are truly disabled. There are five questions they ask, including:

  • Are you currently working? If you earn more than $1,350 on average each month, you may not be considered disabled. 
  • Is your condition severe enough that you are limited in your ability to work for at least 12 months?
  • Is your condition one that is included on the SSA list of disabling conditions?
  • Are you unable to do the same type of work you used to do?
  • If not, is there another type of work you can do? 

Work Credits for SSDI

When the SSA determines whether or not you qualify for disability benefits, they will check your work history to see if you have earned enough work credits. The number of credits you acquired throughout your time in the workforce will vary depending on how much money you earned. In 2022, for each quarter a person earns $1,510 or more, they are given one Social Security or Medicare credit. There is a maximum of four credits given per year for each quarter the earnings requirements are met. While these work credits do play a role in your eligibility, the average of your earnings during your working years will determine how much your monthly benefit payment will be. 

The number of credits needed are as follows:

  • For those younger than age 24, 6 credits earned within a 3 year period are required. 
  • For those age 24-31, you could qualify if you have credits for working at least half of the time between age 21 and the onset of your disability. 
  • For those age 31 and older, at least 20 credits are required and must be earned within a 10-year period prior to the start of your disability.

How Do You Qualify for SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a disability benefit available for those with a limited work history. SSI is a “needs-based program” that is designed to assist those with:

  • a disability that prevents them from having gainful employment
  • a great financial need
  • those who are blind
  • or those over the age of 65

SSI payments are a set amount that may change each year depending on the Cost-of-Living-Adjustments (COLA). 

Medical conditions that qualify for SSI may include:

  • Blindness
  • Cancer
  • Back injury
  • Kidney disease
  • Genitourinary issues
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Digestive tract problems
  • Vision loss
  • Hearing loss
  • Skin disorders
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Immune disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Mental disorders
  • Various syndromes
  • Hematological disorders

For more specific information about what conditions qualify for adults and children, you can visit the SSA website. 

Contact the Law Office of Karen Kraus Bill For Assistance

If you think you may qualify for disability benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices to schedule a free consultation. Applying for disability benefits on your own can be time consuming, intimidating, and may result in a denial of benefits. Your chances of a successful request for benefits, or even an appeal if you’ve been denied before, are greatly increased when you have the help of an experienced disability attorney. Reach out today with any questions you have about qualifying or appealing. Call 573-875-5200 or visit the website.