At Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A., we have extensive experience helping clients seek Social Security Disability benefits and appealing denied claims in Hattiesburg, MS. We can help you gather the necessary evidence, prepare a strategic argument, and file an appeal to get the benefits you need. We understand how important these benefits are for you and your family, and we will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a FREE consultation and let an experienced Social Security Disability attorney handle your case and SSD legal issues.
Types of SSD Claims
No two SSD claims are alike, and each claim presents its own unique set of challenges. Our Hattiesburg SSD lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate all your options. Whether you need help with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a childhood disability claim, Richard Schwartz’s attorneys can help.
The common social security disability claims our law firm handles are:
- Initial claims
- Reconsideration appeals
- Hearing appeals before an administrative law judge
- Appeals to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Appeals Council
- Federal court litigation
What is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is a program for workers who have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes and have earned enough work credits. Wage-earners who have not worked long enough to qualify for SSDI may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and assets.
Who Can Apply for Social Security Disability?
If you are suffering from an injury or medical condition that prevents you from earning a living, you are not alone. Millions of people across the U.S. are unable to make ends meet because of physical or mental impairment.
The Social Security Disability (SSD) program is designed to provide financial assistance in the form of monthly payments to individuals who become disabled before retirement age and are unable to work. SDD helps about 160,000 disabled people in Mississippi, including people with long-term disabilities, and provides an average monthly payment of $969.
To qualify for SSD, you must first have a qualifying illness or injury that prevents you from working. You must also have worked for a certain period of time and paid into Social Security. If you are not sure whether you qualify, we can help you determine your eligibility.
Our firm can help you file an SSD claim or appeal if you suffer from a variety of qualifying conditions or disabilities, including:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Liver disease
- Head trauma
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Hearing loss
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Joint problems
- Repetitive stress injury
- Depression
- Herniated disc
To be eligible for SSD, you must submit evidence of your disability, how it keeps you from working full-time and that the condition is expected to last longer than a year. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your claim and make a decision based on the severity of your disability and your ability to return to work.
What To Do If Your Social Security Disability Claim is Denied
If you have been denied SSD benefits, don’t give up – you have the right to file an appeal. The appeals process can be long and complex, but our Hattiesburg SSD lawyers can help you navigate the process and give you the best chance at getting the benefits you need.
There are four levels of the appeal process:
- Reconsideration – a complete review of your claim by someone who did not make the original decision.
- Hearing – you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
- Appeals Council – a review of your case to determine if the ALJ made the correct decision.
- Federal Court – you can file a lawsuit in federal district court.
After you receive a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) denying your social security disability claim, it is important to take action immediately. You only have 60 days to file an appeal, and if you miss the deadline, you will have to start the process all over again.
Contact Our Hattiesburg, MS Social Security Disability Lawyers Today for Compassionate Representation
We understand that applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be extremely complex, and we know how frustrating it is to find that your claim has been denied. Richard Schwartz & Associates is here to offer you caring support, reliable legal advice, and strong representation. If you have been denied SSD benefits, do not give up. Put a skilled legal team on your side that is willing to fight for what you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Work Part-Time on Social Security Disability?
Trying to go back to work while on Social Security disability can be a daunting task. If you are able to find part-time or even full-time employment, it is important to know that you can still receive SSD benefits as long as your earnings do not exceed a certain amount. This is known as the Trial Work Period (TWP) and it allows you to test your ability to work while still receiving SSD benefits. The TWP allows you to work for nine months without affecting your benefits. Once the TWP is over, your benefits will be based on your average monthly earnings. If your earnings are below a certain amount, you will still qualify for SSD benefits. If, after the nine-month period, you are able to maintain gainful employment, your benefits will be terminated.
If you are considering going back to work, it is important to speak with an attorney first. We can help you understand the TWP and how it will affect your benefits. We can also help you navigate the process of returning to work and ensure that you are able to maintain your SSD benefits.
Can You Receive SSI and SSDI?
Crossover claims are possible in some situations where an individual qualifies for both SSDI and SSI. If your claim is approved, you will receive payments from both programs.
For example, a 42-year-old man who was injured in a car accident is unable to work. He files for both SSDI and SSI benefits and is approved for both. He will receive a monthly payment from the SSDI program based on his past earnings, as well as a monthly payment from SSI.
Crossover claims are not always simple, and it is important to have an attorney who understands the process and can help you navigate the system.
Can You Collect from Social Security and the VA?
If you are receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The two programs have different eligibility requirements, and you can receive payments from both programs at the same time.
Consult with Our Experienced Legal Firm in Hattiesburg, Mississippi Today
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, you can count on the lawyers at Richard Schwartz & Associates to provide you with an effective strategy to help you obtain the benefits you deserve. We have already successfully resolved tens of thousands of cases. Our team of lawyers has what it takes to protect your rights and interests.
Contact us for a FREE case evaluation and rest at ease knowing we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay a dime until we win your case. You focus on healing and getting your life back on track, while our Hattiesburg lawyers handle all the legal issues and minutiae of your case. Call us today at 601-988-8888.
