Social Security Disability benefits are valuable lifelines for many Americans, providing them with the financial support they need when their medical conditions prevent them from working and supporting themselves. However, if you believe you qualify for any form of Social Security Disability benefits, it’s natural to wonder how much you might receive in monthly benefits and how long those payments will continue.
Most people who qualify for Social Security Disability benefits may do so until they are no longer disabled or until they reach the age of 65. At this age, most Social Security Disability benefits automatically transition to retirement benefits. This may seem simple enough, but if you expect to continue receiving Social Security Disability benefits until retirement age, you must understand your responsibilities to ensure your continued eligibility to receive your benefits.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Proving your disability is essential, not only for initially qualifying to receive benefits but also for maintaining them. For example, whether you intend to file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) following a workplace injury or a claim for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to financial need and inability to work, an experienced attorney can help you make a compelling case that proves the scope and severity of your disability.
The claim process is tedious and detailed. An attorney can provide valuable guidance as you compile your claim, helping you secure the supporting documentation you may need to provide to improve your chances of securing approval for benefits. In addition, many initial claims are denied due to paperwork errors, and having an experienced attorney assist with your claim significantly reduces the chances of these minor mistakes creating large problems in your pursuit of the benefits you need.
The baseline qualification criteria for SSDI benefits are that the claimant’s condition must amount to a disability for at least one year up to retirement age, and they must have previously worked in jobs covered by Social Security. When an employee works a job covered by Social Security, they contribute paycheck deductions and accumulate work credits. These credits can later translate to either SSDI benefits or retirement benefits. However, regarding SSI benefits, claimants must prove their disability and financial need rather than establish their work history.
Many claims for Social Security Disability benefits pertain to permanent disabilities and medical conditions likely to cause problems for years. However, if a claimant recovers from their disability and can work again, their benefits will terminate. Therefore, it’s vital for anyone who intends to extend their benefits as long as possible to meet their medical requirements, such as attending all necessary doctors’ appointments and responding to any requests for information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in a timely manner.
The Claim Determination Process
The SSA denies most of the agency’s claims yearly, mostly because of clerical errors or lack of necessary documentation. These denials typically lead to appeals. Some claimants may resolve minor paperwork errors with swift appeals, while others will face more complex proceedings that involve hearings before administrative law judges.
When the SSA approves a claim, the benefits the claimant receives hinge on multiple factors, and a maximum benefit allotment adjusts for inflation each year. However, if the claimant is already receiving other benefits, the SSA will reduce their disability benefits accordingly. For example, many people file claims for SSDI because of work-related injuries. Most states require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and an injured worker could potentially receive compensation for their medical expenses and ongoing disability benefits while they are unable to work. In this situation, the injured worker would likely qualify for SSDI, but the SSA would reduce their monthly benefits to reflect the amount they receive in workers’ compensation benefits.
If you already have any form of benefits related to a work-related injury, or if you already receive any form of state-level public assistance for a disability that qualifies you to claim SSI, it’s vital to work with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney if you want the best chance of success with your claim.
How Can an Attorney Help Me Improve My Benefits?
Filing for Social Security Disability benefits is very difficult, and success with your claim will likely require a significant level of document recovery and careful research. Working with an experienced attorney significantly improves your chances of success with a claim for SSDI or SSI. Additionally, you will not only be more likely to succeed with your claim, but your legal team can assist you in securing the maximum amount of benefits possible for your condition.
An experienced Social Security Disability attorney can quickly assess what type of supporting documentation their client will require to secure the best possible results from their benefits determination. A strong initial claim significantly reduces the chances of facing a denial, followed by a tedious appeals process. However, many issues can arise with even the most compelling claims for Social Security Disability benefits. Having an attorney you can trust readily available to address your questions and concerns as they arise is an invaluable asset.
Gade & Parekh, LLP, has years of experience helping clients with complex Social Security Disability claims. We know the challenges claimants often face and the reasons the SSA most often cites for denying claims. Our goal in every case we accept is to maximize our client’s chances of success with their initial claim with close attention to detail and personalized counsel. We take time to learn as much as possible about every client’s unique situation to ensure we meet their needs and concerns with our representation.
Social Security Disability benefits can offer financial relief for the rest of your life. Success with your initial claim can ensure you start receiving benefits as soon as possible, and your attorney can advise you on how your benefits may change and adjust over time. If you are interested in speaking with a trustworthy attorney about your Social Security Disability benefits claim, contact Gade & Parekh, LLP, today to schedule a consultation with our firm.
