Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program which provides monetary benefits to those who cannot work because of a disability. An experienced and knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney could advise if you are entitled to SSDI benefits.
Whether you are dealing with a severe bodily injury or an illness, SSDI benefits could replace your lost wages. You must meet specific requirements set out by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to be eligible for these benefits. A Memphis Social Security disability lawyer could help you understand qualifying for SSDI benefits.
In order to qualify for SSDI, you must be insured. What does insured mean? Social Security keeps track of a person’s work credits during the course of their life. Workers may earn as many as four work credits every year. The number of credits needed to secure full benefits varies depending on the age of the person applying for benefits, how long that person has been working and how recently that person left the workforce. SSDI works like an insurance policy. When you stop paying your insurance premiums, your coverage lapses. In this case, when you stop working, your SSDI coverage will lapse after a period of time.
In addition to being insured, your health impairment must qualify as a disability under the SSA guidelines. These guidelines cover a wide array of injuries and illnesses.
SSA’s definition of disability is the “inability to do any substantial gainful (SGA) activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or can be expected to result in death.”
It is not unusual for applicants to see their claims denied initially. These denials do not necessarily mean the opportunity for benefits is lost. Because of the appeals process, many people can address the deficiencies with the Social Security disability claim with the guidance of a an experienced Social Security attorney. If denied, you have sixty (60) days to appeal the unfavorable decision.
Request Reconsideration
The initial step in the SSDI appeals process is referred to as a request for reconsideration. This is when the applicant asks for a second examiner to consider the claim again. While this review is not handled by the person that initially denied the claim, the outcome is often the same.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing
The next step is the administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing. The ALJ level is where many denied claims are reversed. It is necessary to apply for this level of review within 60 days of the notice that the request for reconsideration was denied.
It is not unusual for applicants to see their claims denied initially. These denials do not necessarily mean the opportunity for benefits is lost. Because of the appeals process, many people can address the deficiencies with the Social Security disability claim with the guidance of a an experienced Social Security attorney. If denied, you have sixty (60) days to appeal the unfavorable decision.
Request Reconsideration
The initial step in the SSDI appeals process is referred to as a request for reconsideration. This is when the applicant asks for a second examiner to consider the claim again. While this review is not handled by the person that initially denied the claim, the outcome is often the same.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing
The next step is the administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing. The ALJ level is where many denied claims are reversed. It is necessary to apply for this level of review within 60 days of the notice that the request for reconsideration was denied.
If you have the necessary work history, you could be entitled to SSDI benefits following a debilitating injury or illness. However, securing these benefits is not always easy.
Let a Memphis Social Security disability lawyer help you improve your chances of success with your SSDI claim. To get started, schedule an initial consultation today.
If You Have Any Questions, Please Contact Us.
Pickford Law Firm, PLLC | Memphis, TN | Social Security Lawyer
N/aPickford Law Firm, PLLC | Memphis, TN | Social Security Lawyer
