The social security program plays a critical role in our society. This program ensures the financial well-being of those who have retired as well as those prevented from continuing to work due to a disability. If an injury has left you unable to work, you may qualify to receive benefits as part of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
While the right to receive benefits may be yours, the process of claiming SSDI benefits is complex and may prove challenging to complete on your own. Fortunately, an experienced social security disability attorney serving Marlton, NJ, can help. At Rand Spear, we have assisted countless injury victims in claiming the benefits to which they are entitled.
Contact us today by using our chat tool, completing our online contact form, or giving us a call. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive Through the SSDI Program?
The amount of compensation you will be eligible to receive through the SSDI program will depend upon a variety of factors. Among the details considered when determining who is eligible to apply are:
- Your yearly income while you were working
- Whether or not you are also receiving workers’ compensation benefits
- If you have an alternate source of income, and if so, how much you are receiving
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits
According to Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, only those who meet certain conditions are eligible to apply for benefits under the SSDI program. To receive SSDI benefits, you must:
- Have previously been employed for a set period of time
- Have paid taxes into the SSDI program
- Be disabled in a manner that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
Proving that you have a disability that prevents you from engaging in SGA can be accomplished by providing specific information, such as:
- Copies of your medical records
- Details about any medications you are taking
- Information regarding the medical professionals who treated you
An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer in Marlton, NJ, can help you in obtaining and submitting all the documents necessary to support your disability claim.
Injuries that Are Covered Under the SSDI Program
SSDI benefits are not restricted to those who have suffered physical injuries. Eligibility extends to any condition that prevents a person from working for a minimum of one year. In addition to a variety of physical disabilities, you may also qualify to receive benefits if you are dealing with a medical condition that prevents you from working.
SSDI benefits can also be available in cases where the claimant is suffering from debilitating anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD.
Additional Factors Considered When Evaluating Eligibility for SSDI Benefits
Many other conditions will also be taken into consideration when evaluating an applicant’s ability to claim SSDI benefits. Some of the other qualifications that must be met include:
- Having a condition that meets SSA guidelines
- Having an income level below $1,470/month or $2,640 for those who are blind
- Being limited in your ability to perform some basic tasks
- Being incapable of fulfilling the duties required by your previous position of employment
Marlton Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
How Long Will I Have to Wait to Start Receiving SSDI Benefits?
Once you have submitted your SSDI application, you will likely be in for a long wait before you will be able to start collecting benefits. The processing time for your application alone can take well over a month. Once processed, you could be in for a wait of more than a year until the SSA reaches a decision about your case.
Although it is impossible to ensure a quick processing time for your application, working with an experienced Marlton SSDI attorney can significantly improve your odds of reducing your waiting time and securing a favorable decision.
Your Options If Your SSDI Application Gets Rejected
Should the SSA reject your application, you will still have options available. You have the right to appeal their decision, which can be a long and trying process. While working with a lawyer on your initial application is optional, it becomes a necessity when filing an appeal. Your chances of negotiating the appeal process on your own, and receiving a favorable ruling, are incredibly low.
Working with an experienced SSDI attorney will significantly improve your odds of overturning the initial decision of the SSA.
Request for Reconsideration
The first step in appealing a ruling against you is to submit a request for reconsideration. Once this request is received, a claims examiner with no connection to your original application will review your case to determine if an error was made in denying your case. If an error is discovered, they will overturn the initial ruling and grant you benefits.
Judicial Hearing
If the claims examiner does not discover an error in the original ruling, they will uphold the decision, and your next option will be to request a judicial hearing. In this hearing, your attorney will argue your case and introduce any new evidence that supports your claim. They will attempt to prove why you do, in fact, qualify to receive benefits.
Social Security Appeals Council
If the original ruling is once again upheld, your next step will be to request that your case be moved to the Social Security Appeals Council. However, this request may be denied. Should the council choose to hear your appeal, your lawyer will argue your case before them.
After that, they will either deliver a final ruling or push the case forward to a judge, who will issue the final decision.
Federal Lawsuit
If your application is once again rejected, you will have one final option for potentially securing benefits. Your lawyer can submit a federal lawsuit on your behalf, where they will again argue your case, this time before a federal judge.
Get a Free Consultation With an SSDI Attorney Serving Marlton Today
If you are pursuing SSDI benefits, the experience of a Milton social security disability attorney can make all the difference. At Rand Spear, our team is quite familiar with navigating the Social Security system. Working with one of our lawyers will substantially improve your odds of collecting the benefits you need.
Contact us today through our chat tool, contact form, or by phone and schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
