If you cannot work due to illness or injury, things can get tough. It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed and depressed if you’ve been denied disability payments. Richard Schwartz & Associates offers legal assistance to individuals who are disabled and unable to work because of an injury or illness. A social security disability attorney from our law firm can assist you with your Social Security disability claim. We understand how crucial your case is, and we will fight for you! Our primary goal is to obtain the support you require and deserve!
What Is Social Security Disability?
SSD laws and guidelines can be confusing and complicated. To understand these laws, you must first understand the term disability. Disability is when a condition prevents or limits a person’s ability to earn income.
The disability laws are in place to safeguard those who paid into the insurance fund if they become disabled. In addition, several federal and state programs exist to assist those who are disabled. A social security disability lawyer knows the details of different programs. Contact a local Greenwood disability lawyer from Richard Schwartz & Associates if you have questions. A social security disability lawyer can explain the application process and help you appeal your claim if necessary.
What Are the Federal and State Disability Programs?
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the money we pay via payroll deductions. This protects you if you can no longer work due to a disability.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those who did not pay into the insurance fund through payroll deductions. These benefits are for low-income people and few assets who possibly did not work.
- Medicare is a benefit of Social Security. It is federally-funded health insurance for people over 65 years old and is available to individuals who were on SSDI for 24 months. In addition, immediate eligibility is available for certain exceptional circumstances.
- Medicaid is health insurance available for individuals on SSI. It is managed by the state and funded by the federal and state governments.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability?
Richard Schwartz & Associates is here to fight for you to receive the benefits you deserve. We will walk you through how to apply for social security benefits and what to do if you’re turned down. The Federal Social Security Disability Act defines a disability as an inability to work due to a physical or mental ailment expected to last for more than twelve months. If your condition or working with your condition could result in death, the word disability also applies.
Common disabilities include:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Autoimmune Disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Emphysema
- Epilepsy
- Head Trauma
- Hearing Loss
- Heart Disease
- Herniated Disc
- Joint Problems
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Repetitive Stress Injury
- Stroke
Do I Need to Wait a Certain Amount of Time Before Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits?
You may file for Social Security disability benefits when diagnosed with a qualifying condition. Do not wait if you have an irreversible illness or accident and expect to be out of work for at least a year. On the other hand, you should not file a claim if you are experiencing a minor illness or one that is expected to last no more than a year.
If My Disability Is Not Permanent, Do I Still Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
To be eligible, you must have been disabled for at least a year or expect to be so in the future. You would also qualify if you knew of a condition that would result in your death within a year.
What If I’ve Been Denied SSI Benefits?
We are committed to assisting you with your SSI application. If you have been refused, contact Richard Schwartz & Associates right away so we may begin to fight for you. Disability benefits applications may be daunting and unpleasant. However, we can offer you the legal counsel you require to defend your rights as we walk you through the procedure from start to end.
If You’ve Been Denied, These Are Ways We Can Help:
- Collect medical documents from your physicians
- Help you complete forms required by the Social Security Administration
- File necessary appeals on time
- Argue your case in written form to attempt to get you approved without the need for a hearing
- Prepare you for a hearing and argue on your behalf before an Administrative Law Judge.
What Is the Appeals Process?
After receiving the decision letter, you have 60 days to appeal any decision by submitting a written request. There are four levels of appeal:
- Reconsideration: On appeal, your attorney will submit a request for reconsideration. A claims examiner who was not involved in the initial evaluation will examine all evidence submitted when the original decision was made and any new information during this phase of the appeal.
- Hearing: If the SSA denies reconsideration, your attorney may request a hearing before an administrative law judge not involved in the previous decision. Your lawyer will offer evidence supporting your claim to the judge and the potential request for an expert witness to explain why you are qualified for disability payments.
- Review by the Appeals Council: If the court rejects your claim, you may appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. Although the Social Security Appeals Council considers all appeals, it may reject a request if it believes the hearing decision was correct.
- Federal Court Review: If your claim is still denied, you or your lawyer can file a lawsuit in federal court to challenge the SSA’s decision.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive After Approval for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Benefits for disabilities are determined based on previous salaries and the length of time worked. Disability payments under SSI are governed by federal law and are adjusted annually to account for increases in the cost of living. Benefit calculators can help applicants estimate their potential benefit amounts. Benefits generally range from $500 to $2,000 per month, and the average monthly payment is over $1,100.
How Much Does a Social Security Benefits Lawyer Cost?
We don’t charge anything until we win your case! If you need Social Security Disability legal assistance, contact Richard Schwartz & Associates. Call 601-988-9888 for your FREE consultation and put our 40 years of experience to work for you!
