Tag: social security disability

If you’re a parent receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) payments, you may be wondering how this income will affect your child support obligations. Whether you have joint custody of a child or are the primary custodial parent, understanding the impact of SSD on child support is important.

First, it’s important to know that SSD payments are considered income to determine child support. This means that if you’re paying child support, your SSD payments may be used to calculate the amount of support you owe. On the other hand, if you’re receiving child support, your SSD payments may be considered in the calculation of the support you receive.

However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to social security disability and child support.

Joint Custody

If you have joint custody of a child, your SSD payments may not be factored into child support calculations in the same way as other income. This is because child support is typically calculated based on the income of the primary custodial parent, rather than both parents. In joint custody arrangements, child support may be calculated based on the relative income of each parent, and SSD payments may be considered as part of this calculation.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses

If you have a disability that requires you to incur certain expenses related to your condition (such as medical equipment, transportation, or personal care services), these expenses may be deductible from your SSD income to calculate child support.

Disability Reviews

If you receive SSD payments, it’s important to be aware that the Social Security Administration (SSA) may periodically review your case to determine whether your disability has improved and whether you’re able to return to work. If your disability is found to have improved and you’re able to return to work, your SSD payments may be terminated, which could impact your child support obligations.

When evaluating the impact of SSD on child support, it’s important to consider your circumstances and to consult with a qualified attorney or other professional if you have questions.

Tips for Parents Receiving SSD Payments With Child Support

up close photo of child's hands stacking coins on a table

If you’re a parent receiving SSD payments, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure that your child support obligations are properly calculated:

Keep Records

Keep records of your SSD payments and any expenses related to your disability, as these may be relevant to child support calculations.

Communicate with the SSA 

If you receive a disability review notice from the SSA, be sure to respond promptly and provide any information requested. This will help ensure that your disability status is accurately determined and that your SSD payments are not terminated inappropriately.

Consider Seeking Legal Advice 

If you’re involved in a child custody or support dispute, or if you have questions about how SSD will affect your support obligations, consider seeking the advice of a qualified attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations and can provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

Understanding the impact of SSD on child support can be complicated, but it’s important for parents receiving SSD payments to be aware of their rights and obligations. Whether you have joint custody of a child or are the primary custodial parent, it’s important to keep records of your SSD payments, to communicate with the SSA, and to consider seeking legal advice if you have questions. With the right resources and support, you can navigate this process and ensure that your child support obligations are properly calculated. If you are stuck trying to figure out what is your best option for managing your social security disability and child support payments, the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill can help. Schedule a consultation for us to review your case today.

As a person with a disability, you’ve likely relied on Social Security Disability (SSD) payments to help make ends meet. But when does Social Security Disability end, and what are your next steps?

When Does Social Security Disability End?

If you’re under full retirement age (between the ages of 62 and 67, depending on your birth year), your SSD benefits will end if you’re able to return to substantial gainful activity (earning more than a certain monthly amount from work). If you reach full retirement age while receiving SSD benefits, your payments will automatically convert to retirement benefits. However, if you continue to work and earn above the substantial gainful activity amount, your SSD benefits will end.

So, what can you do if your SSD benefits end or if you reach full retirement age and want to extend your disability payments?

File For An Extension

If you’re still unable to return to work, you can file for a continuation of your SSD benefits. This process is called a “review,” and it involves proving that your medical condition has not improved and that you’re still unable to work.

photo of desktop computer with a social security disability claim pulled up to show when social security disability end

Try Work Incentives

The Social Security Administration offers several work incentives to help people with disabilities return to work while still receiving some benefits. For example, the Ticket to Work program provides access to employment services and support, while the Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE) deduction allows you to deduct certain expenses related to your disability from your earnings.

Consider Transitioning to Social Security Income (SSI) at Age 65: 

If you reach full retirement age and your SSD benefits end, you may be eligible for SSI, which is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet certain financial requirements and have a disability that’s expected to last for at least one year.

Transitioning from SSD to SSI can be a big change, but there are resources available to help you make the transition. For example, the Social Security Administration’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program provides free, personalized assistance to help you understand the benefits and work incentives available to you.

Making the transition from SSD to SSI can be a challenging process, but with the right resources and support, it’s possible to maintain your financial stability.

Contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

The end of your SSD benefits doesn’t have to signal the end of your financial support. Whether you’re able to extend your SSD payments, try work incentives or transition to SSI, there are options available to help you continue to live with dignity and security. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for assistance. 

Sometimes when receiving Social Security Disability payments, it can be unclear what will happen if you return to work. Many people fear that they may forfeit their SSDI payments only to find that they are not prepared to go back to work yet. However, the social security disability trial work period can bridge that gap.

Social Security Disability Trial Work Period Explained

The Social Security Disability Trial Work Period (TWP) is a program designed to help individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits see if they are ready to return to work. It allows individuals to test their ability to work and still receive SSDI benefits without worrying about losing their benefits if their work efforts are unsuccessful.

Can I Work Part-Time on Social Security Disability?

The TWP is a nine-month period during which individuals can earn money from a job while still receiving SSDI benefits. During this time, individuals can earn as much as they want without losing their benefits as long as they report their work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA). After the TWP is over, individuals can still receive benefits if they are unable to work due to their disability, as long as they meet the medical and non-medical eligibility requirements.

Why Use TWP?

One of the main goals of the TWP is to help individuals try returning to work while they are still receiving benefits. It allows individuals to see if they are able to work and still manage their disability, without the fear of losing their benefits if their work efforts are not successful. It also helps individuals transition back into the workforce by providing a period of time where they can receive the support and resources they need to succeed.

Ticket to Work Program

In addition to the TWP, the SSA also offers other programs to help individuals return to work, such as the Ticket to Work program and the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program. These programs provide individuals with the support and resources they need to succeed in the workforce, including job training, job placement services, and financial incentives. People are asking was the Ticket to Work Program terminated? It was not terminated but can expire for individuals within a time period and they would need to reapply.

Are There Limitations to the Trial Work Period?

If you are receiving SSDI benefits in Missouri and are interested in returning to work, it is important to understand the rules and limitations of the TWP, as well as the other programs available to help you succeed in the workforce. You can learn more about the TWP and other work incentive programs by contacting the SSA or visiting their website.

In Missouri specifically, you are typically able to earn any level of income, even if that is above the Substantial Gainful Activity limit. This means if you had a high-paying job prior and you feel ready to return to work, you have up to 9 months to collect income from your job alongside your disability income. If you find in that period that you are not ready to return to work, you aren’t guaranteed to lose your disability income. 

The TWP is not a one-time event; it can be used multiple times throughout an individual’s lifetime. However, there are some limitations to the TWP. For example, individuals can only use the TWP once every five years, and they must report their work activity to the SSA each month during the TWP.

Questions About TWP? Contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

If you have questions about the social security disability trial work period and how it may affect your disability income, don’t hesitate to contact KKB Law. Our experienced disability attorneys are ready and available to answer your questions. Call 573-875-5200 to schedule a free evaluation or visit the website.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with schizophrenia? If you have, you are aware that schizophrenia is a serious condition that results in hallucinations, paranoia, speech difficulties, and disordered thought processes.

Numerous antipsychotic medications are successful in the treatment of schizophrenia, but they often have serious adverse effects. Certain people may not respond to the drugs well enough and continue to have symptoms.

Whether your medications are ineffective or your prescriptions keep you from working, it’s important to consider that you may qualify for Social Security disability for schizophrenia.

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder in which the diagnosed person’s mental and emotional processes break down, making it impossible to distinguish reality from delusions. The condition often progresses slowly, taking months or even years to manifest into disabling symptoms. People with schizophrenia sometimes struggle to behave appropriately in social contexts and may also struggle with self-care.

The cause of schizophrenia is unknown. It often manifests itself throughout adolescence but may also manifest during childhood or adulthood. Genetics, environment, infection, or family dysfunction may all play a role in producing the condition. Schizophrenia is classified into four types:

  • Paranoid schizophrenia
  • Disorganized schizophrenia
  • Undifferentiated schizophrenia
  • Catatonic schizophrenia

Residual schizophrenia is a term referring to a condition in which a person has a good handle on most of their symptoms but even so exhibits residual symptoms.

Getting Disability For Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is considered a disability if you fulfill the criteria set out by the Social Security Administration in Listing 12.03, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, of the Listing of Impairments.

Schizophrenia is often diagnosed by psychiatrists and is typically determined using verbal interviews with both the patient and any close family members. The psychiatrist will assess the symptoms mentioned, the person’s behavior since the symptoms were first detected, the person’s medical and family history, as well as the person’s reaction to the medicine given to treat the symptoms.

Although no medical tests may be used to diagnose schizophrenia, a diagnosing psychiatrist may conduct a CT scan to rule out other physical illnesses that may produce comparable symptoms.

Schizophrenia manifests itself in a number of ways. Due to the slower progression of schizophrenia, symptoms may initially be very minor or mirror common conditions such as stress, sleeplessness, or difficulty focusing. 

The condition’s symptoms, such as social disengagement or trouble establishing and retaining friends, are sometimes misdiagnosed as shyness or social ineptness. However, as the illness advances, psychotic symptoms often manifest. These include hallucinations, delusions, flat affect (the appearance of no feeling), catatonic behaviors (social withdrawal), and distorted thinking.

Filing For Disability For Schizophrenia

Under Section 12.03 Schizophrenia, Paranoid, and Other Psychotic Disorders, the Social Security Administration (SSA) covers applications for disability benefits based on a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

To qualify for disability for schizophrenia, a person must establish the following: 

  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Conduct that is disorganized or catatonic
  • A pattern of irrational or incomprehensible thought 
  • Isolation and disengagement from a social connection on an emotional level

Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate, through medical documentation, that your symptoms significantly impair your ability to perform routine tasks and to obtain and retain gainful work. Suppose your symptoms are not severe enough to need full-time care but are severe enough to prevent you from working. In that case, the SSA specifies a second set of criteria for eligibility for disability for schizophrenia.

While medical records often include symptoms and accompanying limitations, they frequently do not detail how a condition prohibits you from working and may not be adequate to establish disability under SSA guidelines. Due to the complexity of schizophrenia and the difficulty of establishing your inability to maintain gainful employment solely through medical records, it is frequently highly recommended that claimants hire a Social Security Disability attorney to assist them in establishing and presenting their case.

Hire An Experienced Disability Attorney

Applicants with significant mental conditions such as schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders should consider hiring a skilled disability attorney. Not only is schizophrenia a severe illness, but individuals who suffer from this disorder have significant disadvantages when it comes to self-representation, especially given the constraints placed on focus, memory, and logical reasoning.

A disability lawyer may assist the applicant in obtaining relevant medical documents and managing the hearing procedure.

Contact The Law Offices Of Karen Kraus Bill to help you throughout the application process or if you have been denied and want help with your appeal.

According to the Internet Stroke Center, approximately 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke each year. According to the CDC, 34% of stroke victims are younger than 65 years of age. If you’ve had a stroke before the age of retirement and are unable to work, you may be facing the difficulty of figuring out how to make ends meet. Does a stroke qualify for disability? The Social Security Administration (SSA) disability insurance programs, either one or both, may provide the solution you’re looking for. Disability benefits may be available if your stroke led to the development of additional medical conditions and/or a limitation in your ability to work, and the experts at KKB Law can help you apply for disability benefits.

When A Stroke May Cause Disability

A stroke can be caused by either a brain hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke) or a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke), both of which result in decreased blood supply to the brain and can cause damage. Speech, walking, and vision problems can all be various impacts of a stroke. Stroke patients commonly have muscular weakness, generally on one side of the body, as well as numbness and sensory loss. For some, the damage is temporary; for others, it is permanent. For some stroke sufferers, the lingering symptoms of the stroke make it impossible to return to work. In these cases, a stroke may qualify for disability benefits. 

Financial Impact of a Stroke

According to the CDC, “stroke-related costs in the United States came to nearly $46 billion between 2014 and 2015.” Medical treatments, health care services, prescription drugs and missed work hours for all impacted adults each year all go into this total. Diagnostic and early treatment costs, as well as long-term or permanent deficiencies, are all things to consider when it comes to your direct personal costs. Initial diagnosis and treatment expenses are influenced by the kind of stroke. In many cases, patients are simultaneously suffering from a variety of other ailments, such as heart disease, diabetes, or a traumatic brain injury.

Main Qualifying Factors for a Stroke

Similar to other types of disabling conditions, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income. SSDI may be available to you if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for five of the previous 10 years. If you are under the age of 31, you may not be required to have worked for as long. The SSA will use a five-step process to determine eligibility, including asking questions like:

  • Are you currently working?
  • Is your condition severe?
  • Is your condition included in the Blue Book list of disabling conditions?
  • Can you do the work you did previously?
  • Can you do a different type of work?

Many people want to know “does a stroke qualify for disability” and there are three basic ways people qualify:

  • You meet or equal disability listing 11.04, Vascular insult to the brain
  • You meet another disability listing
  • You are not able to perform your past work or any other work based on your physical and mental limitations

Let The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill Help You Apply for Disability Benefits

Having a disability attorney by your side during the application process for Social Security disability benefits can increase your chances of being awarded benefits by ensuring that all deadlines are met, accurately and favorably completing the complex paperwork, and providing representation at a hearing. Reach out to one of our qualified disability attorneys today.

Are you someone who has been diagnosed with kidney disease? Wondering if you can get disability for kidney disease? The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work on a monthly basis. Although kidney disease does not automatically qualify for benefits, thousands of individuals who have been out of work for a year or longer due to kidney disease may qualify.

Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two kinds of payments to disabled individuals: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is a work-based program, while SSI is need-based.

You must be determined disabled through the SSA’s Five-Step Sequential Evaluation to be eligible for any benefit. The first step is to apply for disability benefits either online or with a local Social Security Administration office. You may seek the advice of a disability attorney to file your initial application for disability for kidney disease. 

Kidney Failure: Acute vs. Chronic

Kidney failure may be acute or chronic (prolonged). Acute kidney failure may be caused by a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, medication/infection/toxin damage, or a blockage. You may experience difficulty urinating and have swelling in your extremities if you have acute renal failure. Although most patients recover from acute kidney failure, persistent kidney damage may occur, resulting in chronic renal disease.

Chronic kidney disease lowers kidney function over time and, depending on severity, may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. As waste builds in the body, severe chronic kidney disease produces electrolyte imbalance and edema (swelling). 

Disability For Kidney Disease

The SSA Blue Book defines the conditions that are qualified for disability payments and the test results or symptoms that must be present for the condition to be recognized as a disability. To qualify for disability compensation, you must generally meet or exceed at least one of the requirements.

Kidney disease is covered in Section 6.00 of the Blue Book under Genitourinary Disorders. For the SSA to consider your kidney condition a disability, at least one of the following must be true:

  • You suffer from chronic Kidney (renal) disease and need dialysis.
  • You have chronic kidney disease and had a kidney transplant within the last year.
  • You have chronic kidney disease with decreased kidney function and at least one of the following symptoms:
  1. Renal osteodystrophy: a bone disease caused by failing kidneys, characterized by significant bone pain and anomalies.
  2. Peripheral neuropathy: a nerve disease that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and muscular weakness throughout the body as a result of toxins that the kidneys were unable to filter out.
  3. Fluid overload syndrome: a disorder in which water and salt are retained in the body, resulting in unusually large blood vessels, high blood pressure, skin inflammation, or a BMI of 18.0 or less due to weight loss.
  4. Anorexia with weight loss measured by a body mass index (BMI) of 18.0 or below, calculated at least twice in a 12-month period at least 90 days apart.
  • You have nephrotic syndrome (where protein is lost in the urine), as shown by testing twice a year, at least 90 days apart, and skin inflammation for at least 90 days.
  • You have chronic kidney disease and have been hospitalized at least three times in the last year as a consequence of complications. They must occur at least 30 days apart and last at least 48 hours, including time spent in a hospital emergency room prior to hospitalization.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will administer a Residual Functioning Capacity (RFC) assessment, which is a questionnaire that assesses your capacity to stand, sit, walk, lifting weight, and complete other daily tasks. Even if you do not fit into any of these categories, you may be eligible for disability for kidney disease if treatments prevent you from working. If your kidney disease prevents you from performing a job, you may be eligible for disability benefits.

Hire an Experienced Disability Attorney

While qualifying for disability for kidney disease is frequently straightforward, not all applicants have a fast or easy case assessment. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to record your condition and ensure that the SSA has all the necessary information and medical documents to assess your claim. You may also want to seek the assistance of an experienced Social Security advocate or attorney, particularly if your kidney condition prohibits you from working but does not fall under one of the Blue Book categories described above.

Our Columbia, MO disability attorneys want to help you secure the Social Security Disability benefits you need and deserve. Visit our website today to learn how to receive a free evaluation!

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to handle and absorb glucose (sugar) sufficiently due to inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance. Diabetes comes in various forms, including Type I, Type II, Type III, and gestational. So, can you get disability for diabetes?

Types Of Diabetes

Type I diabetes, also called Diabetes Mellitus, often develops during childhood. This usually indicates that the pancreas is producing insufficient insulin to metabolize the blood glucose, which may occur due to pancreas-related damage or illness. Type I diabetes patients need insulin because their bodies do not manufacture enough insulin.

Type 2 diabetes, known as adult-onset diabetes, develops when the body’s cells develop insulin resistance and therefore cannot metabolize adequate glucose. Type 2 diabetes is most prevalent in adults over 45 and is closely connected with obesity, hypertension, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, genetic factors contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 3 diabetes is a suggested name for Alzheimer’s disease, caused by insulin resistance in the brain. It is not yet a recognized medical term or illness, but it is being utilized in studies into the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that may develop in women who do not already have the disease during pregnancy.

Symptoms Of Diabetes

The common symptoms of diabetes vary by individual. Still, the commonalities often include frequent urination, blurred vision, excessive thirst, dark skin patches, constant hunger, lethargy or exhaustion, and tingling in the hands or feet. These symptoms, which can be severe, leave diabetic patients unable to work and lead them to ask an attorney, “can you get disability for diabetes, and how do you qualify?”

Numerous diabetic patients have neuropathy (nerve damage), which most often affects the hands and feet. Diabetes may also result in severe eye issues, such as retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and blurred vision. Because of their blood sugar levels, people with diabetes often have a more difficult time recovering from infection or skin lacerations. Additionally, if a diabetic patient has neuropathy, they may not detect an injury as quickly as ordinary individuals, particularly to the foot. These variables predispose diabetes patients to acute infections, which may result in amputation and other catastrophic consequences. Diabetic patients are also at a higher risk of developing kidney disease, ketoacidosis, hypertension, and stroke.

Can You Get Disability For Diabetes With Complications?

Diabetes is covered in Section 9 (Endocrine) of the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book” listing of debilitating ailments under paragraph 9.B5 (Diabetes mellitus and other pancreatic gland disorders).

Although a diagnosis of diabetes does not automatically qualify a person for SSDI benefits, any of its complications may very likely qualify a person for SSDI payments. These complications include:

  • Neuropathy
  • Retinopathy
  • Ketoacidosis
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetic Kidney Disease
  • Vascular Disease
  • Hyperglycemia that persists
  • Hypoglycemia on a long-term basis
  • Coronary arteriopathy
  • Cognitive impairments

Among other complications, they are all included in a diabetic disability claim.

Suppose you have uncontrolled diabetes and have been unable to work for at least 12 months or anticipate being unable to work for at least 12 months. In that case, you may qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI/SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. To qualify for disability benefits, however, the damage caused by diabetes must significantly impede your capacity to work, or you must have problems that meet the criteria for one of Social Security’s disability categories.

If your diabetes is uncontrolled as a result of your failure to adhere to your doctor’s advised medication, you will not qualify for disability.

How Limiting Is Diabetes For You?

Even if you do not fulfill a listing, can you get disability for diabetes? To decide if your diabetes significantly impairs your everyday functioning to the point that you are unable to work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) or state agencies (referred to as Disability Determination Services, or DDS) will examine your residual functional capacity (RFC). Most individuals who apply for disability payments based primarily on diabetes are first refused benefits and must submit an appeal to get a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Your RFC is a measure of the amount of activity you can continue to do while having diabetes. For instance, an RFC may determine that you are competent in undertaking a medium-level job, light-level labor, or sedentary work. The SSA will consider your medical history, doctor’s opinion(s) (if they specify your functional limits and are supported by medical evidence), and comments from you, your family, and friends in determining your RFC.

The SSA is also interested in your ability to concentrate on duties, work well with others, and report to work on a consistent basis. For instance, if your glucose levels are poorly maintained during the day, the insurance adjuster may discover that you cannot focus for extended periods. If you are suffering from depression or excessive exhaustion, your RFC may claim that you are unable to work consistently and regularly.

Applying For Disability Benefits

If you are unable to work due to health impairments caused by Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Proving disability due to diabetes and its associated conditions can be complex. Working with your doctors and a qualified Social Security Disability attorney can help ensure that your disability case has the best possible chance of success. Contact The Law Offices Of Karen Kraus Bill to help get you the benefits that you not only need but that you deserve!

Blindness is not as uncommon as some may think. A 2015 National Health Interview Survey report showed that 23.7 million American adults from age 18 and up reported that they experience vision loss. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), individuals are considered blind if their vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in their better eye. Individuals who are legally blind include those who have been blind since birth as well as those who have had significant visual loss because of certain conditions. Glaucoma, retinopathy, and traumatic damage are some of the conditions that may qualify for disability payments due to visual loss. Social Security Disability for Blindness falls under the umbrella of either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. 

What is the Definition of Blindness?

To be considered blind under the SSA disability program, an adult or child must meet the following social security disability for blindness criteria:

  • you have a central visual acuity for distance of 20/200 or less in your better eye with use of a correcting lens; or
  • you have a visual field limitation in your better eye, such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.

What If I Don’t Meet Criteria for Social Security Disability for Blindness?

Those with a visual impairment who are not considered blind according to the criteria above may still be eligible for SSI benefits on the basis of disability. The disability criteria for children and adults differ slightly.

Definition of Disability for a Child

Individuals who are under the age of 18 are considered a child. If the child has medically determinable physical or mental impairments that meet the following criteria, they may be considered “disabled”.

  • results marked and severe functional limitations; and
  • can be expected to result in death; or
  • has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

Definition of Disability for an Adult

Individuals who are age 18 or older are considered an adult. If the adult has medically determinable physical or mental impairments that meet the following criteria, they may be considered “disabled.”

  • results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity; and
  • can be expected to result in death; or
  • has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

Medical Evidence Required When Applying for Disability for Blindness

As required by the SSA, a physical examination performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist is needed to determine the central visual acuity (how clearly you can see straight ahead). Poor visual acuity isn’t enough to qualify for disability, so the visual field efficiency (peripheral vision) is evaluated as well. All testing is carried out without the use of glasses but instead with lenses that are part of the doctor’s testing equipment. Medical records should show whether an individual has been diagnosed with an eye condition. A decrease in visual acuity may be caused by cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, hypertensive retinopathy, cancer-related or melanoma-related retinopathy, or other kinds of central retinal illness.

Does Your Vision Loss Affect Your Functional Capacity?

If an individual’s visual acuity and/or visual fields do not meet the SSA’s requirements for social security disability for blindness, the SSA must also consider the impact that the vision loss, along with any other relevant symptoms, has on their ability to perform daily activities and regular work activities. If someone is unable to perform their regular job, the SSA will determine whether or not other types of work can be performed. 

Ready to Apply for Social Security Disability for Blindness?

If you think you may qualify for disability benefits for visual impairment, you can apply for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI, which requires you to have paid enough taxes into Social Security) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI, which is for low-income taxpayers). This process can be complicated and tedious, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill today.

After spending most of your life working and paying into Social Security, one day, you may become unable to continue working due to your age or perhaps your declining health. You may consider filing for disability benefits. Applying for disability benefits may feel intimidating and confusing. Many people are left wondering, “Do I need a lawyer for social security disability?” 

Do I Need a Lawyer for Social Security Disability?

While you are not required to hire a lawyer during the Social Security Disability application process, having legal counsel will significantly decrease your chances of being denied benefits. Many people assume that the application process is quick, easy, and only requires filling out a few forms. This is not the case when it comes to applying for disability benefits. The application process can be complex, and it requires extensive paperwork, medical records, and other personal information. Errors or omissions could impact your claim negatively and may result in a denial of benefits. If you were denied benefits, having a disability attorney to help you through the next steps will make the process much easier. 

What Is Required When Applying For Disability? 

When applying for disability, you will need to present information about your medical condition, work history, and other personal information. It is crucial to provide complete and accurate information during the application process. 

A Disability Attorney Can Help You Organize the Required Information

Compiling all of the required information on your own can be difficult and tedious. A disability attorney can assist you in organizing the correct information and ensuring it is comprehensive and satisfactory. 

Medical Information

  • Name, address, and telephone number of all treating physicians 
  • Dates and names of any medical tests you have undergone
  • Names of medications you are taking and the prescribing doctor

Personal Information

  • Your social security number
  • Your date and place of birth
  • Name and birth dates of any children who are minors
  • Your current or former spouse’s social security number and date of birth as well as the place of marriage and date of divorce or death if applicable
  • Your banking information including bank name and routing number or account number

Work Information

  • Names and addresses of employers from the current year and year prior
  • A copy of your Social Security Statement
  • The amount of money earned in the current year and previous year
  • A list of up to five jobs you have had in the last 15 years with dates of employment
  • Information regarding any workers’ compensation benefits you field or intended to file for
  • The start and end dates of any active-duty U.S. military service prior to 1968

What Happens If I Am Denied Benefits?

Finding out that you have been denied your benefits can feel frightening, but a majority of clients are denied on the application. There are many reasons why your disability claim may have been denied and it can be remedied. You may have filed the incorrect claim type, failed to show adequate medical proof, you may earn too much money, or it could be something else. If you were denied, your claim could be reevaluated during the appeals process. It is not recommended to attempt an appeal without the assistance of a knowledgeable disability attorney. Disability attorneys have experience with the Social Security claims process as well as insights into the specific requirements to get approval. 

The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill Can Help

Whether you are applying for the first time or need to appeal a denial, the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill are ready to assist you. Applying for SSDI or SSI on your own might seem straightforward at first, but you will quickly discover a lot goes into the process. Mistakes or missing information on the application can result in a denial or reduced payments. The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill have filed hundreds of applications. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Should I Apply for SSDI On My Own?

Suppose you’ve spent most of your life working hard and paying into Social Security and are now unable to continue due to your age or a decline in your health. In that case, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). There are many qualifying factors that determine if you are eligible for SSDI, such as whether you can continue working, how severe your condition is, and whether you can do another type of work, to name a few. If you believe you qualify, the next step is applying for SSDI benefits. Once you’re ready to apply, you might be wondering, “should I apply for SSDI on my own?” Acquiring assistance from an experienced disability attorney can make the process easier and increase your chances of being approved. 

What Is Involved In The SSDI Application Process?

Though it may appear as though applying for SSDI is as simple as filling out a few forms, there is much more that goes into the application process. There is an extensive amount of paperwork and communication with the Social Security Administration required for a successful outcome. Additionally, your medical evidence must be obtained and evaluated. 

Information Needed to Apply for SSDI Benefits

To apply for SSDI benefits, information regarding you, your medical condition, and your work history will be needed. 

Personal Information

Applying for SSDI benefits may require personal information such as:

  • Your date and place of birth
  • Your social security number
  • Your current or former spouse’s social security number and date of birth as well as the place of marriage and date of divorce or death if applicable
  • Name and birth dates of any children who are minors
  • Your banking information including bank name and routing number or account number

Medical Information

Medical information needed when applying for SSDI may include:

  • Name, address, and telephone number of someone who knows details about your medical condition to assist with application process
  • Names of medications you are taking and the prescribing doctor
  • Dates and names of any medical tests you have undergone 
  • Dates of treatments you have had along with names, addresses, phone numbers, and patient ID of the corresponding doctors or medical facility in which the care took place

Work Information

Your work history will play a part in determining your eligibility. Information needed may include:

  • Names and addresses of employers from the current year and year prior
  • The amount of money earned in the current year and previous year
  • A list of up to five jobs you have had in the last 15 years with dates of employment
  • A copy of your Social Security Statement
  • The start and end dates of any active-duty U.S. military service prior to 1968
  • Information regarding any workers’ compensation benefits you field or intended to file for

Benefits of Hiring a Disability Attorney to Apply for SSDI

When you choose to hire a disability attorney to assist you in the SSDI application process, you increase the likelihood that your application will be approved. A disability attorney is familiar with the Social Security Administration and the rules that pertain to SSDI applicants. They are also available to assist you in the long process of acquiring the necessary documents to help prove your eligibility. An experienced staff member will complete your application and review your information while checking for missing details or inconsistencies that could affect your approval. Errors and omissions may negatively impact your claim and could result in being denied SSDI benefits. If this happens, you can file an appeal, but this may cause a delay in receiving your benefits. 

Get Help Applying for SSDI Benefits

The disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill understand the SSDI application process and want to make it as easy as possible for you. Having practiced disability law for more than 30 years, we are experienced lawyers for social security disability – ready to assist you with every step of the application process. Many people assume it is easy to be awarded benefits, but it’s not that simple. Applying for SSDI benefits is a complicated legal process that you shouldn’t have to navigate alone. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our disability attorneys.