(Newswire.net — November 16, 2016) — If you’ve been injured in an accident, and you are no longer able to work, you’re probably wondering how in the world you will be able to pay for your mortgage, doctor bills, groceries, and other living expenses. In the United States, a number of so-called “safety net” programs are available to disabled people, but these benefits not always easy to get. Social Security Disability is one of these programs. Tens of thousands of applications for SSDI benefits are filed every year. Unfortunately, most of these claims for benefits are denied. If you can’t afford to be refused, an experienced Social Security attorney may be able to help.
Who can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance
First-time applicants for SSDI must be at least 18 years of age and be unable to work because of a qualifying medical condition. That medical condition must be expected to last for at least one year. A disease that is expected to end in death may also qualify an applicant for SSDI, says theUnited States Social Security Administration. Persons who are currently receiving Social Security benefits may not apply for SSDI, nor may anyone who was denied SSDI benefits at any time within the last 60 days.
When applying for SSDI, you may hear about something called “listing level impairments.” These are certain conditions that can get you approved for SSDI benefits in a hurry. If you don’t have one of these qualifying conditions, don’t worry. There are a number of lesser conditions that, when presented in combination, may indeed qualify you to receive disability benefits that can help you pay your rent and other living expenses.
Documents required to process a SSDI claim
The Social Security Administration requires all applicants to provide a birth certificate or other valid proof of birth information. Proof of United States citizenship is also required. In certain cases, lawful alien status may fulfill this requirement. Any applicant for SSDI who served in the US military before 1968 will be asked to provide discharge papers when they apply for SSDI.
Medical records, including but not limited to relevant test results and doctor’s reports are imperative to a successful SSDI claim. In fact, such documents are part of a crucialstrategy for winning your social security disability case. Pay stubs, award letters, and settlement agreements as well as proof of any sort of worker’s compensation benefits offer an additional layer of proof when presenting an application for Social Security Disability Insurance.
Helpful hints that may expedite your SSDI claim
The number one thing you must remember is to document every event associated with your disability claim. Every time you visit a doctor or medical clinic, make a note on your calendar. When you are prescribed a medicine to treat your condition or to manage pain, document the event. The same save-everything rule applies when you visit a chiropractor, massage therapist or mental health counselor. If you spend time in rehab or in physical or occupational therapy, ask for a written assessment of your condition. Each of these documents may serve to strengthen your case with the Social Security Administration, saysTough Nickel magazine.
Why your SSDI claim might be denied
The Social Security Administration has very strict rules, and they tend to enforce them without mercy. Persons who are younger than 50 can expect to have a harder time being approved for disability benefits than people who are older than 60. SSDI was designed to be a program for low income Americans. For this reason, persons with too much income are almost always automatically denied disability claims as are people who don’t cooperate with the Social Security Administration.
Persons who refuse to follow the expert advice of their physician may be denied SSDI. It is worth noting, however, that some medical excuses may be deemed acceptable. For instance, a person with severe mental illness may be deemed unable to comply with medical therapies. Sometimes, the Social Security Administration is compassionate toward applicants who miss appointments due to a severely limiting disability such as cataracts or paralysis.
If your application for SSDI is denied, you may be allowed to reapply. In fact, it is your legal right to do so. If and when you appeal your SSDI denial, please don’t try to face the bloated bureaucracy alone. Your best bet, as far as successfully winning your Social Security case, is to consult with a skilled legal professional who has a proven track record of winning SSDI cases.
Logan Williamson is a disability advocate who helps individuals get the benefits they need and deserve. He is passionate about his job and helping people, having seen his own family struggle because of disabilities.