When an injury or illness makes you unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, it is not always easy for disabled applicants to get disability benefits, even when they meet all the eligibility requirements. A lawyer in Gainesville from our law firm may be able to help you file an appeal concerning the denial or termination of your Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer to Get Social Security Disability Benefits?
Getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits can be challenging. You must submit a great deal of paperwork to the SSA, and you may need to go through several levels of appeals before you receive disability benefits. Having a lawyer to guide you through the required procedures can be critical to a successful Social Security Disability claim.
We know the documentation you need for an effective claim for disability benefits. We can review your paperwork to ensure you have everything you need in the correct format. We also can submit required documents to the SSA and file appeals on your behalf if you receive an unfavorable decision or a denial or termination of your disability benefits.
Why should You Choose Your Law Firm to Help with Getting SSD benefits?
We know that access to disability benefits can be critical when you are disabled and unable to work. We understand what a challenging position you and your family are in as you struggle to get the help you need. The attorneys and staff at our law firm routinely handle Social Security Disability cases, so we know what it takes to build a solid benefits claim.
Since we are so familiar with the Social Security Disability process, we can help ensure that you have the medical evidence needed to support your claim. We will make sure you have an examination conducted by an appropriate medical professional who is familiar with the standards necessary to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Has Your Law Firm Helped others Win their Social Security Disability Claims?
Our law firm is devoted to obtaining the best possible result in your case based on your circumstances. We have helped clients get their disability benefits in the past, even if it requires going through several appeals. We will continue to act as your legal advocate throughout every step of the disability application and appeals process.
How can a Person Afford a Lawyer when they are Disabled and can’t Work?
At our law firm, we know finances can be tight when you are injured or ill and unable to work. We understand it may be difficult to pay your bills during this time and that you may not be able to pay for a lawyer upfront. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation about your case.
If you choose our law firm to represent you, we expect no payments upfront. We require no payment of legal fees from you until you receive your disability benefits award, which often may include back benefits. We can explain how this payment arrangement works in more detail during a free consultation.
What is the Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI benefits?
Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In some cases, you might qualify for a combination of benefits from each program.
SSDI
SSDI is an insurance program for workers with disabilities. When you work at qualifying jobs, you accrue work credits. Once you receive a certain number of work credits, you are eligible for SSDI if you become disabled and are unable to work.
SSI
SSI is also a benefits program for people who are disabled, but it is not based on one’s work history. You might qualify for SSI if you did not earn enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. You also meet specific income and resource limits to be eligible for SSI, which makes SSI available only for people from low-income households who own few assets.
What Kind of Disabilities make a Person Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Many different disabilities, whether physical or mental, might qualify you for disability benefits from the SSA. According to the SSA, to be eligible for benefits, your disability must be severe enough to substantially limit your ability to perform basic work activities, like standing, walking, lifting, and remembering. Your disability must be expected to last 12 months or more or result in death.
What if the Social Security Administration Denies an Application for Disability Benefits?
If you receive a denial or termination of your disability benefits from the SSA, you are eligible to challenge that decision through several levels of appeals.
The Reconsideration Process
When you first receive an unfavorable decision about your benefits, you can ask the SSA to reconsider your application. Another SSA representative who had no part in the first decision will reconsider that decision based on your original application and any new information that you submit.
The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
If you receive a second denial of benefits after you ask for reconsideration, you can appeal that decision. At this level of appeal, you have a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who hears evidence from you and your Gainesville-based lawyer and SSA.
Other Levels of Appeals
If you still receive an unfavorable decision after your Administrative Law Judge hearing, you can file further appeals. First, you can appeal your case to the Appeals Council. If you still are unsuccessful after that level of appeal, you can file a complaint in federal district court to ask for a court ruling in your favor.
Get the Help with Your Social Security Disability Claim
When you have suffered an injury or illness that makes you unable to work, you may need Social Security Disability benefits to support yourself. Our lawyer serving Gainesville will work to put together a complete application on your behalf.
Even if you receive a denial of benefits, we will continue fighting for you throughout the appeals process if needed. Call our offices at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation about your case.
We Can Help.
