Tag: social security disability

Working hard for the majority of your life and then encountering an unexpected medical condition that keeps you from working can feel frustrating, scary, and uncertain. Throughout your career, you paid into the Social Security system, meaning you may be eligible for financial relief through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 

SSDI Qualifications

Applying for SSDI is a complex process the requires a lot of information and documents. To qualify for SSDI, there are some specific requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) first needs to determine whether or not your medical condition qualifies as a disability under its guidelines which include:

  • Being unable to do the work you previously performed
  • Being unable to adjust to doing other work
  • Having a severe medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death

The SSA will also ask questions such as:

What If I Was Denied SSDI?

Being in a situation where you need SSDI benefits can be challenging and stressful enough. Finding out that you have been denied social security disability might feel frightening, but do your best to remain hopeful. If you were denied SSDI you can appeal the decision for another chance to be approved. In fact, most disability benefits claims are denied on the first attempt, particularly those who apply themselves without the assistance of a disability attorney. By enlisting the help of an experienced disability attorney, you can begin the appeal process with assistance. 

Why Was My SSDI Claim Denied? 

There are many reasons why the Social Security Administration might deny an SSDI application. Some of them may include:

  • Earning too much money
  • Failure to show medical proof
  • An error in medical evidence submission
  • Not following your doctor’s suggested treatments
  • The SSA is unable to reach you
  • Filing the incorrect claim type

The good news is that some of these reasons for denial can be reevaluated in the appeals process. An experienced attorney will understand the reasons for your denial and increase your chances of being awarded SSDI when you appeal. 

What Can I Do After My SSDI Claim Was Denied?

If your SSDI claim was denied, you can begin the appeal process. There are four levels of appeal:

  • Request for Reconsideration
  • Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge
  • Appeals Council Request for Review
  • Federal District Court review

It is not recommended to attempt an SSDI denial without the assistance of an experienced disability attorney. There is a considerable amount of paperwork, medical evidence, and communication that will be needed during the application or appeal process. No one should have to fight for the benefits they deserve alone. Having an attorney assist you with the disability process will increase your chances of being approved. Disability attorneys have a vast knowledge of the Social Security claims process as well as insights into the specific requirements to get an approval. 

Get Help Appealing SSDI Benefits with The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

At the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill in Columbia, MO, we have years of experience assisting people just like you in the SSDI appeals process. Having practiced disability law for more than 30 years, we are experienced lawyers for social security disability, ready to help you with every step of the application process. Right now, we understand that you may feel very confused or you might feel like giving up, but please know that denial isn’t the end of the road. We know that a lot is riding on whether or not you get approved, and that’s why we want to do everything we can to help you get a favorable outcome. If you were denied social security disability benefits, contact us today for a free evaluation. 

You’ve worked hard all your life, but now you’re unable to continue working due to your declining health, or maybe you’ve reached an age where you simply can’t anymore. You might be wondering if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Which type of claim is right for you? Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are disability benefit programs run by the Social Security Administration. The differences between these two programs can be confusing, so let’s discuss the major distinctions.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is considered an “entitlement program” that is generally available to anyone who has paid into the Social Security system for the last ten years. These recipients are considered “insured” because they have made their contribution to the Social Security trust fund through paying FICA Social Security taxes. SSDI provides benefits to people who cannot work enough due to certain medical conditions or disabilities. The amount of SSDI payments vary based on the beneficiary’s earnings record. SSDI recipients are eligible for medicare.

Who Can Apply for SSDI?

To be a candidate for SSDI, a person must have earned a particular number of work credits and be under the age of 65. Generally, an eligible individual would need to have worked at least five out of the last ten years. Federal law has strict definitions of disability, stating that the medical condition causing the disability be one that is expected to last one year or more, or potentially result in death. People with short-term or partial disabilities would not qualify. 

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is considered a “needs-based program,” meaning it is strictly for low-income American citizens and is funded by general taxes rather than from the Social Security trust fund. The standard federal SSI payment is a set amount that changes yearly based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA). Additionally, most people who receive SSI will immediately qualify for benefits through Medicaid. 

Who Can Apply for SSI?

To meet the requirements for SSI, a person must have a very limited income and less than $2,000 in assets, or less than $3,000 for a couple. Most people who would qualify for SSI would also qualify for food stamps. Individuals over the age of 65 can qualify for SSI (regardless of their medical condition) if the income requirements are met. A person of any age, even children, can apply for SSI if they are disabled and have limited to no resources or income. 

Get Help Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

It can be risky to apply for SSDI or SSI on your own. Many applications are initially denied due to mistakes or misinformation, unsuccessful attempts to collect medical evidence, and/or a failure to cooperate with the Social Security Administration. If your disability benefits application has been denied, we can help. There is a small window of time to appeal your denial, and statistics show you are more likely to get approved with the assistance of an attorney who is familiar with disability law.

Call Karen Kraus Bill

The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill has extensive experience handling disability law cases for SSDI or SSI. It is beneficial to have a skilled attorney on your side to help you get all of the necessary records in order to create the strongest application possible. We can also represent you during the appeals process if you were previously denied. We are ready to focus on winning your disability case so you can continue to take care of your health. Contact us today!