General General News

What’s Needed to File a Disability Claim?

If you are unable to work due to disability, you deserve to receive the disability benefits to which you are entitled. Unfortunately, the social security disability system is very complex and nearly 70% of initial SSD claims are denied.

However, an initial denial does not necessarily mean that you are not considered disabled. You may still be entitled to benefits, even if you have been denied previously. If you’ve been denied your social security disability benefits, consider contacting a disability lawyer today.

How Do I Know If I Qualify for SSD Benefits?

In order to be considered disabled by the standards set forth under the Social Security Administration, you will be asked the following questions:

  • What is Your Current Work Status? To be considered to be “working” you have to be earning more than $1,180 dollars per month.
  • What is the Severity of Your Condition? If your condition prevents you from performing work due to the severity of your symptoms, you may be considered disabled.
  • Do you have a Disability as Listed on the SSA’s List of Qualifying Conditions? There is a list maintained by the SSA that contains a number of qualifying disabilities.
  • Are you Prevented from Doing the “Same” Work as Before? If you are prevented from completing the job you did previously for 15 years, you may be considered disabled.
  • Can You Complete any Other Work? While your condition may prevent you from completing the same work you did previously, if you are unable to perform any other work, you may be considered disabled.

These questions can be tricky and you may benefit from the guidance of an experienced disability lawyer when answering.

What Steps Should I Take When Filing a Disability Claim?

After determining if you qualify for SSD benefits, you should take the following steps:

  1. Complete an SSDA Disability Application. This is the long, arduous first step in filing your disability claim. This process can take months or even years to complete.
  2. If Denied, Complete the Appeal Process. As was stated earlier, about 70% of initial disability applications are denied. So, many times the appeal is a routine part of the process.

While the process of filing for disability is long and often frustrating, having a good disability lawyer on your side is a big help. If you are in the initial process of filing for disability or are appealing a denial of your disability application, you should strongly consider retaining the services of a disability lawyer.

Final Thoughts

Having to file for disability can be a frustrating, emotional process as it is. But with frequent denials, long waiting periods, and confusing/misleading help available on the internet; the process can be a nightmare.

This is why you should consider enlisting the assistance of an experienced disability lawyer. Whether you are filing a claim for the first time, or filing an appeal, disability lawyers know the ins and out of the system and can help you get what you deserve.