If you are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and if you filed for Social Security Disability but were denied, we can help.
Losing out on important Social Security Disability benefits during this difficult time is devastating. Let a Social Security Disability lawyer in North Miami Beach, FL, from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine help you appeal your case. Call us now to schedule a free case evaluation.
Social Security Disability Requirements
According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) on disability benefits, a 20-year-old worker has a 1-in 4-chance of becoming disabled before reaching full retirement age.
There are two different earning tests that you must meet in order to get disability benefits:
- A recent work test, based on your age at the time you became disabled
- A duration of work test to show that you worked long enough under Social Security
You will need to submit additional documents, such as medical records, lab results, and the contact information for doctors who treated you as part of the application process to be considered for your much-needed benefits.
Types of Social Security Disability
When someone refers to “Social Security Disability,” they may be referring to one of two types of benefits. These are described briefly below. A member of our team can provide more details in a free case evaluation – this way, you can be confident that you are applying for the correct type of benefits.
What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available to workers who become disabled or sick after spending a certain number of years in a position that pays into Social Security. You may apply for SSDI if:
- You have a permanent or long-term disability that prevents you from earning more than a certain amount per year.
- You are unable to work at the same type of job you had before.
- You are the spouse, underage child, or disabled adult child of someone who qualifies for SSDI, regardless of your personal work history.
To qualify for aid, your disability must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of the term “disabled.” Qualifying conditions include cancer, hearing impairments, various mental disorders, arthritis, and heart conditions.
What Is Supplemental Security Income?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) works a little differently from SSDI. For example, applicants do not need to have worked in a qualifying position or at all. Nor do applicants necessarily have to be disabled. Qualifications include the following:
- You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
- You must be unable to earn more than a specified amount in monthly income.
- You must not have other resources – such as real estate holdings – on which you can fall back.
- You have a disabled child and are struggling financially.
Again, if you are applying on the basis of disability, your condition must meet the criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration (i.e., your condition must be permanent or long-term, and it must interfere with your ability to work).
We Help Clients File for Benefits
No matter what type of benefit you qualify for, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine wants to get you the money you and your family deserve. Our entire team assists clients by:
- Filing all necessary paperwork correctly and within deadlines
- Collecting the documentation the SSA requires to make a determination
- Giving you our telephone number so you can call us with questions or concerns at any time
- Updating you frequently so that you never have to worry and wonder about what is happening with your case
- Representing you at hearings or reconsiderations so that you do not have to appear by yourself
- Explaining how the application and appeals process works in as much detail as you need to make intelligent decisions about your case’s future
We always go the extra mile for our clients because we believe that you should be able to concentrate on your family, not legal matters. If there is ever anything we can do to make the application process easier, all you have to do is let us know.
Let the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Help You Appeal Your Case
It can take as long as three to five months to hear about the status of your application. If your claim is denied, you have 60 days upon denial of your claim to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal, as defined by the Social Security Administration:
- Reconsideration
- An administrative law judge hearing
- Appeals Council review
- Federal Court review
If you disagree with the council’s decision – or if the council decides not to review your case – you can file a civil suit in order to trigger the Federal Court review process. This is the last possible step in the appeals process.
Get Help With Your Social Security Disability Case
Appealing your Social Security Disability application can be complex and thus is too important to handle on your own. Pursuing your appeal alone can lead to frustration and disappointment.
You have enough to worry about with your health condition – leave the legal details of your appeal to our legal team, who will go the extra mile to help you. You can rest easier knowing your case is in good hands. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine now if you need help appealing your Social Security Disability benefits case: 1-800-747-3733.