Applying Over The Telephone
If you are unable to access the SSAs online application or travel to your local field office, you can apply for your Social Security benefits by calling 800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
To speak with a New Jersey Social Security disability benefits lawyer for help with your application, call .
Social Security Disability An Overview
If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits, or if you are in the midst of appealing a denial of benefits, it is important to understand the Social Security Administrations approval process. In addition to meeting the definition of disabled and fulfilling the earnings requirements that the Social Security Administration dictates, you must present a convincing and organized claim. An experienced SSDI lawyer from Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, can offer insight and guidance in your pursuit of benefits.
How To Find The Best Social Security Lawyer
If you have a Social Security dispute that you cant resolve on your own, finding a lawyer can be the next step. Since you may not have a lot of experience looking for lawyersparticularly lawyers specializing in Social Securitywe put together a guide to help you find the right one for your case.
You May Like: How To Disable Fire Alarm
What Is The Most An Attorney Can Charge For Disability
Here’s the great news, an SSDI lawyer will not cost anything upfront.
The cost of disability attorney in Louisiana is the same as it is nationwide.
Federal disability law fees are set by law and cannot exceed 25% of your back benefits.
In many cases, the maximum is $6,000 . Thats because I generally use the fee agreement process.
AND that amount is ONLY due if I am successful in representing you.
If your claim is denied, you owe no attorney fees.
Fees are only due when/if we win your case.
For example, lets assume that we are successful in getting your disability benefits.
Your onset date is set 17 months prior to todays date .
Due to SSA laws, you can be paid 12 months of back benefits in this scenario .
If your benefit amount is $850 per month, your back benefits would equal $10,200 .
The attorneys fee on this amount would be $2,550 .
If this number were above $6000, then only $6000 would be paid to your attorney.
What Happens If I Receive Disability And Then Return To Work
You will need to notify Social Security promptly if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income assistance and your level of work activity changes. You have an obligation to report the changes. You will need to notify SSA if you resume work or your work duties or pay have changed. The SSA will give you a receipt showing that you have fulfilled your obligation.
If claims reviewers determine that you no longer qualify for disability benefits due to medical improvement or your ability to work at a level considered substantial gainful activity, your benefits will be stopped. The decision is typically effective in the month you receive a written notice.
- Contact Us for Help Today!
Don’t Miss: What Qualifies You For Social Security Disability
How To Appeal After A Social Security Disability Denial
There are a number of ways to appeal your denial:
- Retain us and we will handle everything.
- Telephone SSA and make arrangements for your appeal to be handled by phone or mail.
- Go to the Social Security office to submit your appeal. Make sure to take a copy of your denial letter.
Your denial letter should briefly detail each of these options.
Our Social Security Disability Lawyers Will Fight To Get Your Claim Approved & Fight To Get You Benefits
Our goal is to end our clients’ uncertainty about where their income will come from. Our Social Security Disability lawyers are experienced in helping people prove that they qualify for SSD benefits. We believe our clients and we stand by our clients.
At the end of the day, success to us is when the mothers and fathers we help don’t have to wonder when their next check will come through. Our goal is to empower our clients to feel secure and economically stable.
“I highly recommend Kimberly A. Slimbaugh, Esq. for SSDI cases. She did an amazing job and she cares about helping her clients.”
– Rachel
Don’t Miss: What Is American Disabilities Act
Timeline To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits
You should apply for Social Security disability benefits as soon as you believe you may qualify. On average, it takes three to four months for your initial application to be reviewed. If your initial application is denied, the appeals process typically takes another three to four months. In some cases, it can take a year or more to gain access to benefits. Expedited processing is available for people with certain terminal conditions, but there is still a significant gap between when you apply for benefits and when you receive your first monthly benefit check.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers With Law Offices In Baltimore Dundalk And Throughout Maryland
If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Insurance benefits, or both. Unfortunately, the claims process can be frustrating. Sometimes, a disabled person must file multiple appeals.
At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., our social security disability lawyers can help. For more than 15 years, we have successfully assisted many disabled people throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia and other states who received an initial denial of benefits. We have taken cases through the appellate process and all the way to federal court. We make the claim process more convenient, less confusing and less intimidating for people who cannot work. We give you the personal assistance and individual attention that you deserve and fight for your right to disability compensation.
Recommended Reading: Short Term Disability Pregnancy Pre Existing Condition
Reasons You Need A Social Security Disability Lawyer
Nowadays, we can hire a lawyer for literary anything. But a rather serious and sensitive practice of law is social security disability. Commonly referred to as SSD, this area of the law specializes whenever a person is unable to work.
If this is the case, then the person will need to file for social security disability. But since filing a claim isnt as sure as getting approved, it might be smart to hire an attorney to help you out.
So if youre looking for viable reasons why youd need to hire a social security disability lawyer, look no further than this article.
Supplementary Security Income Benefits
You might also skip the five-month elimination period by pursuing disability benefits through the SSI program. You could start collecting disability benefits within the first month of the onset date of your disability, provided the SSA approves your application. Another advantage of SSI benefits is that it is easier to meet the eligibility requirements. The downside is that SSI generally pays significantly lower benefits than SSDI.
You May Like: Free Car Repair For Disabled
How Is Disability Defined In Colorado
The Social Security Administration has its own unique definition of disability, and according to SSA, it differs from the definitions used by other programs. No benefits are payable under SSD for partial or short-term disability. For SSD purposes, you are considered disabled only if:
- You are unable to do the work that you did before you became disabled
- SSA decides that you are unable to adjust to other work because of your medical condition and
- Your disabling medical condition has lasted for at least one year or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
Why Is There An Elimination Period For Social Security Disability Benefits
The primary goal of the SSDI elimination period is to separate applicants with long-term disabling conditions from those with short-term disabling conditions. A five-month period is enough for someone with a short-term disabling condition to recover. Someone with a long-term disabling condition would require more than five months to recover.
You are ineligible for disability benefits if you recover from your disabling condition within five months. The reason is that the SSA considers your disability a short-term disabling condition that does not meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits.
If your disabling condition is still present past the elimination period, you are entitled to receive disability benefits. The SSA considers your disability a long-term condition that meets the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits.
Your state Disability Determination Services may require you to undergo a Social Security disability medical exam. DDS will then examine the doctors report and other specific details of your case to determine whether you have a qualifying disabling condition.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Mental Health Disability
Has Your Social Security Disability Claim Been Denied Don’t Give Up
Talk with Kim to figure out whether an appeal of your case is appropriate. Kim represents people in SSDI and SSI cases throughout upstate New York.
There is no attorney fee unless we win your case.
“We have had the pleasure of working with attorney Kimberly Slimbaugh and her understanding of our situation and needs made our experience less stressful. The attention to detail and correspondence provided to us made us feel that we mattered.” – Debra
“Kim always answered all my questions and I felt comfortable following her suggestions and guidance. I would highly recommend this law firm. My experience was positive and the outcome was excellent. Thank you Kim!“-Beth
Reasons Why Your Social Security Disability Law Firm Needs A Crm
Social Security Disability firms have their own unique workflows, as well as their own set of challenges. Law practices that work with SSDI cases often encounter a high intake volume and require additional screening to identify qualified leads within the pool of interested applicants.
Furthermore, Social Security disability firms have to maintain consistent communication with clients and assemble countless documents for their caseloads. After all, applications and appeals processes can fall apart quickly without the proper documentation.
Fill out the form to download 4 Reasons Why Your Social Security Disability Law Firm Needs a CRM .
Read Also: Homes For Adults With Disabilities
When Should I Get An Attorney For My Social Security Disability Case
People often think that you shouldnât get an attorney in a Social Security Disability case until theyâve been denied either once or twice, and theyâre waiting for a hearing. Some attorneys even agree with that, but I donât. I advocate that you come to us as soon as you think you want to do it, even before youâve filed the initial application. We will file the initial application for you. Itâs part of the overall fee that we charge. Thereâs no additional fee to do it.
I think, overall, it helps people to get an attorney at each step of the process, because we can help them at each step. Thereâs no reason to do it alone, because if youâre going to get denied, youâre going to need an attorney anyway. Itâs better to get someone involved early so I know whatâs going on, and I can advise you along the way and make sure your claim is stronger if we do need to eventually go to a hearing.
What Is 551 What Is Ssdi
Social Security has two programs that pay disabled people. One is SSI the other is regular Social Security, or SSDI. There is a lot of confusion about these two programs in the mind of the public. The difference is simple.
The SSDI or regular disability program pays a claimant based on the money paid into Social Security during a lifetime. The amount is determined by how much has been paid in, divided by years of life expectancy. Payments may also be sent to a spouse and children. Eligibility includes Medicare two years after entitlement date.
The SSI program is an entitlement program, paid to people who had no work record during the past five years. There is an asset limitation and a household income limitation for eligibility as well. There is immediate state Medicaid coverage with this program.
Don’t Miss: Hands Free Shoes For Disabled
What Do I Need To Know About Advance Designation
You should be aware of another type of representation called .
Advance Designation allows capable adult and emancipated minors who are applying for or receiving Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Special Veterans Benefits the option to choose up to three people in advance who could serve as their representative payee, if the need arises.
In the event that you can no longer manage your benefits, you and your family will have peace of mind knowing that someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits for you. If you need a representative payee to assist with the management of your benefits, we will first consider your advance designees. We must still fully evaluate them and determine their suitability at that time.
You can submit and update your advance designation request when you apply for benefits or after you are already receiving benefits. You may do so through your personal account, contacting us by telephone at 1-800-772-1213 , or at .
The Social Security Disability Appeals Process
If Social Security rejects your SSD or SSI application, you have the right to appeal this decision you may also request a hearing with an administrative law judge. However, your appeal can only be for a medical denial, meaning that Social Security believes your medical condition is not severe enough to warrant missing work. Your appeal must be filed within 60 days of the date of your denial letter. This can be done in person at your local Social Security office, or by U.S. mail. Many claimants choose to hire a representative to assist in this process and to build their case. Learn more about the Social Security Disability Appeals process.
Read Also: High Blood Pressure Va Disability
Am I Eligible For Social Security Disability Benefits
The SSA has created a five-step process to determine whether an application for SSD is approved. The criteria include the following:
Step One: Is the applicant working? The SSA will not consider a person for disability if they make more than a specified amount each month. If they make less than the designated amount, the SSA will take a more in-depth look at the applicants medical condition.
Step Two: Is the applicants medical condition severe? For the SSA to rule the applicant disabled, the medical condition must prevent the applicant from performing basic functions of work for at least one year. If this is the case, the SSA will look at step three.
Step Three: Is the applicants medical condition on the SSAs list of disabling conditions? If the applicants medical condition is not on the list of illnesses that automatically qualify for disability, the SSA will check to see if the condition is as severe as those on the list. If the condition does not fit the list, the SSA will look at step four. Some of the SSAs disabling conditions include:
Experienced Nyc Ssd Lawyer For Disability Income
The more that a person has worked, earned and paid into the system, the more compensation that person will be eligible to receive when disabled. There is an eligibility requirement that you will have to meet, showing a specific earnings record. These issues and calculations can be complex and often need a thorough attorney review prior to and during the application process. There are many common mistakes that can undermine your claim for benefits.
There are many other details of SSD benefits that you should know if you are trying to apply for these benefits or if you have already been denied and need to appeal your claim. Talking with an experienced attorney is in your best interests, and may even help you expedite your claim.
For more information regarding SSD benefits, including your rights and how to protect them, contact The Klein Law Group by calling for a free consultation.
Read Also: High Value Va Disability Claims
What Information Do I Need To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits
Whether you apply for benefits online or visit a Social Security field office, youll need to gather and have available a number of documents to complete the application. They include:
- all medical records in your possession
- workers compensation payment information, including date of injury, claim number and settlement agreement
- names and birth dates of spouse and minor children
- dates of marriages and divorces
- information about military service
- checking account or savings account number for direct deposit of benefit checks
- employment work history information, types of jobs you had in the 15 years before you became disabled and dates you held those jobs
If you have the information available, you should expect the initial application process to take an hour.
We’ll Fight For You For Free
If youve been denied social security benefits, heres something you need to know. The law firm you choose makes a BIG difference.
In fact, Morgan & Morgan wins more than the national average in recovering social security for clients that were denied. That means that when you hire our lawyers, you have a better chance of recovering than with the average lawyer. And thats a really BIG deal and an absolute fact. to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. Well investigate your claim at no charge, and we get paid only if you win.
Read Also: Va 100 Disability Benefits 2022
The Social Security Administration Is Not On Your Side
The Social Security Administration denies benefits to a significant portion of first-time applicants and often terminates existing benefit payments. Statistics prove that people with lawyers are more likely to win their cases than those who go it alone.
Almost all of the cases we take are disability claims that have been turned down by people who didnt have Social Security disability attorneys. The SSA is not on your side. Their job is to represent the system, not you. At Brown & Crouppen, we are here to get you the Social Security benefits you deserve. Our team includes some of the Midwests most experienced Social Security lawyers to handle the intricacies of your individual SSD claim.