If you recently sustained an injury or received a diagnosis that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security disability payments.
Over the years, you have worked hard. During this time, you likely paid into Social Security disability. Now that you are in need, you deserve to claim the benefits you have already paid into.
If you are confused or overwhelmed by the application process, our team can help. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we work to help hardworking people just like you claim the benefits they deserve. Contact a Social Security disability lawyer in The Hammocks, FL today for a free case review.
Injuries & Impairments That Qualify for Social Security Disability
The Social Security publishes a book of disabling impairments called the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security. This book lists a wide range of impairments that can qualify you for disability payments.
While you are not guaranteed benefits if you have a condition listed in the book, it does increase your chances. Here are a few of the most common disabling conditions listed in the Blue Book.
- Chron’s disease
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Hepatitis
- Thyroid disorders
- Renal disease
- Chronic Anemia
- Sickle cell disease
- HIV
- Lupus
- PTSD
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Herniated discs
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
It is important to note that just because your ailment is not above or in the Blue Book does not mean you are ineligible for Social Security disability. Contact a Social Security disability attorney in The Hammocks, FL to discuss your legal options.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to discuss your Social Security disability case.
Social Security Disability Eligibility Requirements in The Hammocks, Florida
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the requirements laid out by the Social Security Administration. These include meeting the SSA definition of disability and meeting the work credit requirements.
The SSA Definition of Disability
To be considered disabled by Social Security, you must meet their requirements. Note that SSD does not pay for partial disability; therefore, you must be completely unable to work in most cases.
In addition, you must:
- Have a condition or injury so severe you are unable to work
- Be unable to work, either in your previous field or any other field
- Not have worked in the last 12 months (with a few, rare exceptions)
- Have a condition listed in the Social Security’s list of medical conditions
Social Security Work Credits
Social Security disability payments come from workers who pay into the system each paycheck. Therefore, to qualify for SSD, you must have paid into the system.
If you have worked a full-time job for the last ten years, you will likely meet this requirement. A disability lawyer can also help calculate if you have enough work credits to claim SSD.
As of 2019, workers earn one credit for every $1,320 they make each year, up to a maximum of four work credits per year. The number of work credits required for you to claim disability will depend upon the year you were disabled and your age at the time of disability.
Most workers will need between 20 and 40 work credits to claim Social Security benefits. However, there are exceptions if you are under 30.
Appealing a Social Security Denial
Many disability claims are not approved the first time. According to the SSA, nearly 45 percent of all first-time claims are denied. The reasons for denial range, but can include:
- Lack of solid medical evidence
- Your condition is not severe enough
- Prior denials, if you choose to file a new claim versus appealing
- Failure to follow the treatment plan laid out by your doctor
- Failure to provide requested documentation to the SSA
- You can work in another field, even if that field pays significantly less
- The SSA tried to contact you and was unable to reach you
- Your condition is a result of committing a crime
If you were denied for Social Security disability payments, you still have options. Our legal team can help you file an appeal and guide you through the appeals process.
How a Social Security Disability Lawyer in The Hammocks, Florida Can Help You
Our personal injury attorneys have helped clients just like you claim the SSD benefits they deserve, and we can help you. Here is how hiring a Social Security disability lawyer in The Hammocks, FL can help your application or appeal.
- Ensure you meet the SSA requirements
- Gather evidence to prove you meet the disability requirement
- Answer questions and explain your rights
- File your claim for you
- Appeal your denial, all the way to Administrative Law Judge, if necessary
You do not need an attorney to file for Social Security disability. However, having someone on your side can make a complex process easier.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you are unable to work due to an injury or impairment, you have the right to receive Social Security disability payments. You have paid in, and now you deserve to receive benefits.
If you are overwhelmed by the process or facing a denial, our legal team can help. We understand how complicated and trying the Social Security disability process can be. Let our team help you claim the benefits you deserve. We will take care of the legal process so you can focus on finding your new normal.
Call a Social Security disability lawyer in The Hammocks, FL today for a free review of your Social Security disability case. We also handle car accidents, truck accidents, and more.