- Are you under the age of 65 and are unable
to work?
- Have you applied for Social Security
Benefits and been denied?
Understanding SSD & SSI:
Under the federal Social Security Disability Act,
"disability" means the
"inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
medically determinable physician or mental impairment which can be
expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than 12 months or result in death."
Social
Security Disability benefits (SSD)
Social Security Disability Benefits or SSD
are paid to individuals who have worked in the recent years. Usually you
have to work 5 out of the last 10 years. For individuals under 31 years
old, the requirements are a little different since they have not been in
the work force as long.
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Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income benefits or SSI
are paid to individuals whom are of lower income and it does not matter if
that individual has worked in the past. SSI child's disability benefits are
paid to children who are under 18 years old, are disabled and the parents
or guardian(s) are or is of lower income.
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You should file as soon as it is determined that you
will not be able to work during the next 12 months or your condition is
expected to lead to death. However Social Security is not a short term
disability. Therefore if you have an accident where you cannot work for
several days or even a few months, you will not be entitled to Social
Security Disability benefits.
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How much Social Security Disability or SSi benefits an
individual will get depends on how much that individual worked in the past
and earned during that time or in the case of SSi it depends on the
individual's claim circumstances . For disabled widow's, it depends on how
much the spouse earned and for a disabled child, it depends on how much
the parent earned.
Stages of the Social Security Disability Claims Process:
Do not be surprised if you are denied at the initial stage
(good reason why it is wise to have an attorney).
Only about
40% of the claims are approved at that stage. The next stage,
Reconsideration, about 20% of the individuals win at that stage. The last
stage, the Hearing stage is where the individual actually has a hearing in
front of an Administrative Law Judge. The hearing is informal with only
the judge, his secretary and often times the judge will have a vocational
expert present to testify as to what jobs the individual can perform.
Having an attorney makes good sense:
No fee is collected if you're social security disability claim is
not won, and fees are only collected on the back end. Lawyers receive 25% of
the back benefits up to a certain amount which has been set by law.
- Statistically claimants that are represented by an attorney are
much more likely to win their claim.
- An experienced attorney knows what proof social security and ssi
disability system requires
- Using legal help eliminates both the necessity of waiting in long
government lines and the chance that a government clerks incorrect notation
on your condition jeopardizing your claim.
- All aspects of your case including complicated paper work will be
handled professionally.
Statistics:
Statistically individuals who have representation of an
attorney for their Social Security Disability or SSi Disability Claim win more often than those who are not represented. Therefore it
would be wise to consult with an attorney to have the best chance of a
successful claim. To get Started Click Here!
What to Expect:
The hardest part of the whole claims process is being
patient. Once you request a Social Security Disability or SSi Disability
Claims hearing, it may take up to one year to actually have a hearing and
then another 3 to 6 months to get a decision.
What we do for you:
Your Social Security Disability or SSi Disability Claim will be handled at any stage in the process
including application and appeals. Remember, there are no fees unless you
win your case and you collect benefits.
We will:
Provide you with a thorough evaluation of your Social Security
Disability or SSI claim
Obtain from Social Security the benefit amount you can expect to collect
Act as your liaison with the Social Security Administration
Help you complete and process all paperwork and applications for your
disability claim
Investigate all medical documentation and obtain additional reports for
your Social Security Disability or SSI Disability Claim
Prepare you for any Social Security required hearings
Make sure you receive all the Social Security Disability and/or SSI
Disability benefits you are entitled to.
You should speak to a lawyer to address any specific questions about
your particular social security disability case.
Get started...
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