Applying for Social Security disability benefits is quite challenging. Navigating through the rules and requirements makes it critical to have the best possible representation.
Given the high rate of denials, you need to consult with an experienced disability lawyer who helps clients with Social Security disability claims. Our team from Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz can guide you through the application process and assist you with appealing a denial each step of the way. Our Social Security disability attorneys are ready to fight for your disability benefits throughout the Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky states.
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you can rest easier once you retain legal services.
SSDI attorneys are well-versed in the process and criteria involved in obtaining benefits. They will thoroughly review your records and work history to determine if you meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) definition of a disability.
In case your claim is initially denied, an attorney can assist you throughout the appeals process by gathering the needed evidence. They will use this supporting information to present an argument as to why you deserve benefits.
Having a disability lawyer on board also means having someone who will advocate for you when corresponding with the SSA on your behalf.
A lawyer is responsible for:
There are no guarantees that your claim will succeed when you hire an attorney, though the chances increase when you have a valid claim. The right attorney knows how to prove valid disability claims by presenting persuasive evidence to the SSA.
Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows individuals to submit disability applications and follow the appeals process themselves, it often puts an applicant at a disadvantage. Therefore, seeking assistance from a Social Security disability lawyer can significantly strengthen your case and its outcome.
Our social security disability attorney Robert Raper, who heads the firm’s social security disability practice, has over 25 years of experience handling this type of case. Mr. Raper represents clients at all stages of the disability process and is prepared to handle social denials coast to coast, from offices located in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky states.
From our offices based in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, our Social Security disability attorneys at Dyer Garofalo, Mann, and Schultz are standing by ready to handle disability cases in all 50 states, coast to coast. With years of extensive experience representing clients from their initial application to the hearing level, we are also prepared to take our clients’ disability appeals to the Appeals Council or federal court if necessary.
When pursuing a disability benefits claim, you need to have a legal rep in your corner – someone who knows every detail about the SSDI claims process. Never underestimate the value of this experience. Use the skills of an SSDI attorney to guide you through the legal maze of filing a disability claim.
While you can handle the process yourself, the possible consequences are too significant to ignore. Our law office is equipped to handle disability cases virtually in a safe, secure, and organized way, which means you can challenge your disability denial from the comfort of home with a Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz lawyer there to help you through each step of the process.
Free Case ConsultationWhen choosing a Social Security disability lawyer, you need to look for experience – someone who has helped others with cases similar to your own.
To ensure the right fit, consider asking the following questions:
An experienced lawyer understands the intricacies of this process. They have also established relationships with local caseworkers and judges. Look for someone who has five to 10 years of experience representing disability claimants.
A lawyer’s effectiveness is measured in terms of their success rate in handling applications and appeals. Success rates may range from 50% to 70% for applications and 60% to 80% for appeals.
It is important to work with an attorney who’s familiar with your specific disability. That way, they’ll know what medical evidence and legal arguments are most effective when submitting an application and presenting your case. So, inquire about their experience with impairments that are similar to yours.
If your initial disability claim is denied, there’s no need to lose hope. Many applicants are denied when they first submit a claim. You can appeal your claim and win benefits upon an appeal. The appeals process comprises several major steps aimed at challenging and overturning the denial.
The first step involves requesting a reconsideration of your claim from the Social Security Administration (SSA). To ensure your request is considered, make sure to submit it within 60 days after receiving the notice of denial.
Include any evidence that supports your claim and provide a detailed explanation of how your condition hinders your ability to work. Your attorney can help you further strengthen your claim.
If your reconsideration is denied, you have the option to request an appeal hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This hearing allows you to personally appear and present witnesses who can support your claim on your behalf. It also gives the ALJ a better understanding of your condition.
Keep in mind that scheduling a hearing can take anywhere from six to 18 months. Therefore, it’s important that you continue to seek treatment during this time to bolster the reason for submitting a claim.
Should the ALJ deny your claim, you can still turn to the SSA’s Appeals Council. They will carefully review the decision made during the hearing and determine if further action is warranted.
Their evaluation could result in upholding or reversing the ALJ’s decision or even sending your case back for another hearing. This final stage of the appeal process may take up to a year before a decision is made.
You can file a civil lawsuit against the SSA in court if you still have not been approved for claim benefits. Although this step does involve additional time and paperwork, it’s still worth pursuing the lawsuit if you’ve come this far and you are working with an attorney.
To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must have a condition that meets the definition of a disability set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA oversees two disability programs that cover people who need compensation along these lines.
SSDI offers benefits to individuals who are disabled or visually impaired and have contributed to the Social Security trust fund through their work. To qualify for SSDI, you need to have earned work credits by working, earning an income, and paying Social Security taxes. The number of work credits required varies based on your age at the time you became disabled.
SSI provides benefits to adults and children. Recipients receive little or no income and limited financial resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI is funded by tax revenues rather than Social Security taxes. Therefore, your eligibility for SSI is not dependent on your employment history.
SSI and SSDI are two different government benefit programs in the United States, with the following differences:
The key differences are the funding source (general taxes vs. Social Security taxes), the income/asset eligibility rules that apply for SSI but not for SSDI, and the work history requirements for SSDI.
However, both require that you meet Social Security’s definition of a disability. Many recipients qualify for both SSI and SSDI simultaneously. The SSA defines simultaneous qualifications as concurrent support.
Disability claims undergo evaluation using a five-step process. To move forward to the next step, you must meet the requirements outlined at each stage. This is called Sequential Evaluation – a standard the SSA uses for the acceptance or denial of claims. Your claim does not necessarily have to go through all five steps before a decision is made.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will carefully examine your records from healthcare providers, including doctors, hospitals, and therapists. Their goal is to determine whether you meet the criteria outlined for disability pay.
On average, the process takes around 3 to 5 months before a decision is reached on a disability claim. However, complex claims may take longer to process. The waiting period is known as the elimination period, with some exceptions made to the rule.
As noted, in the event that your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Approximately half of the claim denials proceed to a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) before getting approved.
As long as your medical condition doesn’t show signs of improvement and you remain unable to work, you will continue to receive benefits. Reviews for SSDI are conducted periodically to confirm your eligibility for the plan.
Navigating through the application and appeals process for Social Security disability is indeed quite challenging. That’s why having an experienced Social Security disability lawyer by your side is both important and invaluable.
A Social Security disability attorney possesses all the knowledge needed of SSA laws and procedures. Therefore, they can present a compelling case on your behalf for claiming SSDI benefits.
Our law firm handles legal matters ranging from car accidents to workplace injuries, to national defective drug lawsuits. Any personal injury attorney from our team can help clients across Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
One significant negative factor to consider when relying on Social Security Disability benefits is that an individual’s past earnings determine the amount received.
See more negatives factors here: Negatives Of Getting Social Security Disability
Parents caring for a disabled child may access various benefits, including:
See more about each benefit here: Benefits For Parents Caring For A Disabled Child
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers crucial financial support to individuals with disabilities with these programs:
Read more about each eligibility here: What Other Benefits Can I Get With SSDI?
SSDI is a federal program that many Americans rely on for financial support. One common question is how age affects the approval process.
Read more about it here: What Is The SSDI Approval Rate By Age?
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