The social security program is an essential part of how our society takes care of those who have retired, as well as those unable to work because of a disability. If you have suffered a disability that prevents you from working, you may be eligible to claim benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Unfortunately, filing for SSDI on your own can be challenging. However, with the help of an experienced social security disability attorney in Cherry Hill, NJ, you should be able to get the benefits you need. Your attorney can walk you through all the steps of the process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Contact Rand Spear today for a free case review.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, you will only be able to collect social security disability benefits if you qualify under the federal SSDI program. To obtain benefits through SSDI, you must:
- Be dealing with a disability that makes you unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Have previously worked for a set amount of time
- Have paid taxes into the SSDI program
To recover benefits through the SSDI program, you will need to prove that you have a disability that limits your ability to work. This can be done by providing certain information, including:
- Copies of your medical records
- Details about the medical professionals who treated you
- A list of any medications you are taking
An experienced Cherry Hill SSDI Attorney can help you collect all the paperwork you need to support your claim.
Injuries that Make You Eligible to Claim SSDI Benefits
It is important to note that SSDI benefits are not limited to those who have suffered physical injuries. You may be able to claim these benefits anytime you suffer any condition that prevents you from working for at least a year.
In addition to physical disabilities, you may be able to claim these benefits if you are unable to work due to a medical condition such as cancer. SSDI benefits may also apply if you are dealing with debilitating depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Additional Conditions that Must Be Met to Qualify for SSDI Benefits
There are several additional conditions that you must meet in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. To be eligible, you must:
- Not have income exceeding $1,470 a month or $2,640 if you are blind
- Have a medical condition that qualifies under SSA guidelines
- Be limited in performing some basic tasks
- Be unable to complete the duties of your previous job
Compensation Available Through the SSDI Program
There is no set amount of compensation that everyone who qualifies for the SSDI program receives. Instead, a variety of factors are taken into consideration when determining how much an applicant is eligible to collect. Some of the things that will be considered include:
- How much you earned each year while you were working
- Whether or not you are receiving income from another source and how much
- If you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits
Cherry Hill Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
How Long does It Take to Start Collecting SSDI Benefits?
After submitting your application for SSDI benefits, you will likely have a long wait ahead of you before you can start collecting money for your disability. Processing of your application can take over a month. After that, you will have to wait for the SSA to make a decision on your case. It is not uncommon for this waiting period to last over a year.
While there is no way to ensure that your application will be processed quickly, working with an experienced Cherry Hill social security disability attorney can certainly increase the chances that you will get a response without too significant of a waiting period.
What to Do If Your SSDI Application Is Rejected
If your application for SSDI benefits gets rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. Working with an experienced lawyer on your initial application can have many benefits, including minimizing the chances of a rejected application. However, it is possible to file the initial application on your own and have everything go smoothly.
On the other hand, when filing an appeal, it is critical that you retain the services of an SSDI attorney. The appeals process can be incredibly complex and stressful. An experienced attorney can help you through each step and give you the best chance of winning your appeal.
Request for Reconsideration
The first step in the appeals process is to file a request for reconsideration. A claims examiner who was not involved in the original decision to deny your claim will review your case, and if they find that the denial was made in error, they will overturn the decision.
Judicial Hearing
If the claims examiner upholds the initial decision on your application, you can request a judicial hearing. During this hearing, your lawyer will present your case for why you should be eligible to receive benefits and put forth additional evidence that supports your claim.
Social Security Appeals Council
If the original decision still has not been overturned by the end of the judicial hearing, you can request to move your case to the Social Security Appeals Council. However, there is no guarantee that they will accept the request. If they do agree to hear your argument, they may make a final ruling on the case or send it forward to a judge who will make the final decision.
Federal Lawsuit
If the final ruling is still against you, there will be one more option for getting the benefits you need. Your lawyer will be able to file a federal lawsuit to attempt to get you the money you need.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Social Security Disability Attorney in Cherry Hill Today
When attempting to secure SSDI benefits, having an experienced attorney by your side can simplify the process significantly. At Rand Spear, our team has the knowledge and experience you need to give you the best chance of collecting compensation.
Reach out to us today by phone or through this website to schedule a free case consultation.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
