Personal disabilities can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating, as these conditions may affect your work life. If a disability affects the amount of work you are able to do, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are many factors in determining eligibility for disability benefits. Our knowledgeable representatives often hear the following questions about qualifying for social security disability insurance (SSDI).
Why Should I Discuss My Benefits with a Representative When Applying?
First, lawyers understand the application process for disability benefits and all the requirements. An experienced representative can effectively present your case and disability and ensure that nothing is left out of your application. For instance, these applications require various medical documentations, which a representative can help collect. An experienced representative could also analyze the Blue Book Listings and confirm that the client is eligible based on their disability. Second, representatives can assist their clients during the hearing stage. If a claimant is denied at the application level, the hearing stage is where they can appeal the decision. Disability representatives have a deep understanding of and experience with these hearings and can help their clients better understand the proceedings. Representatives know exactly what evidence and documentation is needed to show why a client’s disability is eligible for these benefits.When Should I Contact a Representative and Apply?
The short answer is; as soon as possible, or as soon as you become disabled. There is a five-month period between the beginning of your disability and the receiving of your benefits. However, many applications can take up to a year or more to be processed and have a decision ready. Although your claim to the SSA will likely be processed in approximately three months, it may take an additional two months for your first disability check to be filed. In any scenario, contacting a representative away and completing the application as soon as possible will increase your chances of receiving compensation in an efficient timeline.Am I Able to Appeal the Application Decision?
Many times, the SSA will deny a claimant’s rights to disability benefits. In this situation, you are entitled to set up a hearing and appeal the decision. The deadline to appeal the application decision is within 60 days of the decision. Your disability representative can help acquire and review all necessary documentation for this process. There are four steps to the appeals process:- Reconsideration period: this is when the representative and client will review the reason for the denial of benefits and discuss a strategy moving forward.
- Hearing before an administrative law judge: the client and their representative present their case with appropriate documentation to the judge.
- Evaluation through Social Security’s Appeals Council: the council will review the appeal and decide whether there is enough evidence to overturn the SSA’s original denial.
- Analysis by the federal courts: when appropriate, the case will be heard in federal courts to make a final decision.
