When an accident, impairment, or illness stops you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. You may apply for SSD independently, but you risk getting denied benefits without providing relevant documentation. A Miami Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm can help.
Regardless of where you are in the claims process, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can review your case. Our lawyers have extensive experience helping accident victims and disabled individuals throughout Miami-Dade County receive the SSD benefits they deserve.
What Is the SSD Program?
SSD is a program that pays monthly cash benefits to individuals who have not been able to work for a year or more because of a disability. To receive benefits, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of “disability.”
SSD benefits continue until recipients can go back to work on a regular basis. The program also has work incentives that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you transition back to work.
There Are Two Main Types of SSD Programs
Depending on your situation, you could qualify for SSD benefits. Per the SSA, this program depends on your age and “work credits.” You accrue work credits based on your income. In 2021, you generally need 40 work credits to qualify for benefits. You can earn up to four credits a year.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not a work credit-based program. Instead, it depends on your financial resources. If you make under a certain limit, and you have a qualifying disability, you could secure benefits through this program.
Our firm can evaluate your situation and determine what programs suits your needs.
What Is the SSA’s Definition of Disability?
The SSA has a strict definition of disability. You meet the definition of disabled if you:
- Cannot do the work that you did before
- Cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition
- Will suffer from your disabling condition for at least a year or your doctor expects it to result in your death
You cannot receive SSD benefits for partial disability or short-term disability. However, if you need partial benefits, our lawyers may be able to help. For example, you could qualify for Miami workers’ compensation if your injury occurred at work. You may even qualify to seek damages through an injury claim or lawsuit.
What Type of Medical Condition do You Have to Have to Qualify for SSD?
The SSA has a list of medical conditions in something it calls the “Blue Book.” This document lists dozens of conditions that affect various areas of the body. We can review the list to determine whether your condition qualifies. If you suffer from a condition that is not on the list, don’t worry; you could still qualify for benefits.
Most of the qualifying impairments are permanent or expected to result in death, or the listing includes a specific statement of duration. For example, many accident victims who suffer from a spinal cord injury or a serious back injury qualify for benefits. If a traumatic brain injury keeps you from working, you could also be eligible for disability.
In addition to having a medical condition on the SSA’s list, you must meet specific diagnostic criteria. Our lawyers can work with your doctor to determine if you meet the criteria under your listing.
How Can our Social Security Disability Lawyer in Miami Help You?
An SSD lawyer from our firm can help you complete the application process and provide relevant documentation related to your medical condition and work history. More specifically, our legal team knows the intricacies of this process and what it takes for the SSA to approve your application.
We will go over every aspect of the process with you to make sure you have your work documents, W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns, doctor’s reports, test results, and other medical records SSA requires.
We Can Help You Compile Information to Support Your Application
SSA requires an extensive amount of personal background information, including:
- Your birth date, place of birth, and Social Security Number
- Information about your current spouse and any former spouse
- Names and dates of birth of your minor children
You likely already have this information on hand. However, the application also asks for detailed information about your medical condition and work history, including:
- The contact information, patient ID numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics
- Names of the prescription medications you are taking and who prescribed them
- Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who ordered them
- Your earnings for last year and this year
- Your employers’ names and addresses for last year and this year
- A copy of your Social Security Statement
- A list of previous jobs you worked before you became disabled
- The dates you worked at those jobs
This information can be difficult to obtain. However, our team can procure this information or explain how you can get it. Having the right information is crucial to your case; even a small error could result in your claim’s rejection.
We Can Help You File an Appeal
Just because your application was rejected doesn’t mean the fight is over. You have every right to appeal the SSA’s decision if denied benefits. This could involve resubmitting your application, following certain deadlines, and presenting new evidence.
Facing a second denial could threaten your financial stability. If you were denied SSD, our team can continue your pursuit of benefits.
Our Recommendations When Applying for SSD Benefits
Our team understands that applying for SSD benefits can seem overwhelming. Yet, it doesn’t have to be with our Miami attorneys on your side. Here are two things that could aid in the application process:
Start the Application Process as Soon as You Can
You should apply as soon as you become disabled. The SSA notes that it can take three to five months to decide on your claim. Even then, more than 50 percent of applications are denied upon their first submission.
Because the SSD application process is extensive—and because you do not want to risk denial—it is important to consider legal counsel prior to applying for benefits. The sooner you call our team, the sooner you could get approval.
Allow Our Team to Handle Your Case
Applying for SSD benefits is more than just filling out paperwork; it’s also about supplying accurate information and proving that you have a disability. You could be asked to submit to medical exams or undergo interviews about your situation. Both of these things can be frightening without our firm.
We can review the accuracy of your application, explain any confusing procedures, and guide you through the entire process.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today for Help with Your Case
If you suffered an accident or an illness that prevents you from working, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 to explore your options.
We will serve as your legal representative, guide you step by step through the SSD application process, and seek the benefits you deserve.
We Can Help.
