Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one of the benefits programs that the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers qualifying Americans with disabilities. These benefits may be available to you if you have a medical condition:
- That has left you unable to work your previous job
- That has prevented you from working other jobs
- That has persisted for at least one year or is likely to cause your death
The vetting process may be extensive and complicated if you have applied or plan to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or benefits under another program issued by the SSA, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If you would like to learn about how a lawyer could assist you in applying for disability benefits or appealing a denied claim, we may be able to help. Call our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today at (828) 286-3866 for a free consultation.
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Applying for SSDI or SSI Benefits
If you believe that you meet the above criteria, then you may want to apply for benefits under one or more programs funded by the Social Security Administration. Some reasons why you may seek benefits could include:
- Recurring medical costs related to your disability
- An inability to earn a living to support your basic needs
- You have dependents who are harmed by your inability to work and earn a living
- It is your right, if you qualify, to receive benefits under programs such as SSDI and SSI
America has social safety nets for those who are unable to support themselves, and if you fall into this category, then it is your right to pursue disability benefits. With this in mind, applying for SSDI or SSI benefits—let alone obtaining them—is not always easy or straightforward.
The Social Security Administration provides digital instructions for applying for such benefits. You could face several hurdles and concerns as you attempt to apply for SSI or SSDI benefits, potentially including:
- The language on the application forms is dense, confusing, or unclear
- You are not sure how to gain access to information required to complete your application
- You do not have the mental or physical wherewithal to complete the application process
- You are unclear about the precise information being requested, or whether your answer will be adequate, and are concerned that incorrect or missing information could result in a denied claim
- You lack the necessary resources to obtain the information requested in the application
Any concerns that you have about your application being denied would not be unfounded. Data from the Social Security Administration shows that a majority of SSDI benefit applications are denied, at least initially.
In order to give yourself a chance at obtaining SSDI or SSI benefits on your first attempt, or at all, it is important that you are able to fill out your application accurately. A lawyer may be able to assist you in filing your initial application, and may also assist you with any follow-up applications that prove necessary.
Call our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today at (828) 286-3866 to speak about how we may be able to assist you in applying for SSDI or SSI benefits.
What to Expect From SSDI Benefits
As you (and possibly your lawyer) move through the process of applying for benefits through Social Security, you may get a better idea of benefits that you could be entitled to. There are a number of considerations that could impact the amount of benefits you may receive, such as:
- Your age at the time that you suffered a disability
- The precise nature of your medical condition(s)
- How severe your injury is determined to be
- What documentation you can provide in support of your medical condition
- Whether you have dependents who depend on you
There may be other factors that the SSA uses to determine not only your eligibility for benefits, but the dollar amount of benefits that you could be entitled to. According to the SSA, the average Social Security disability payment was $1,234 per month in 2019.
Such a benefit could make a significant difference in your life, especially if you are unable to earn income through other means. If you are having difficulty filing a claim, anticipate difficulty filing a claim, have been denied for a claim, or want to learn more about the claims process, a lawyer may be able to assist you.
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Lincolnton, call 828.286.3866
A Lawyer Can Represent You Through the Application Process
The Social Security Administration allows SSDI and SSI applications to submit information through a representative, and you have the right to choose a lawyer as your representative. A lawyer may be equipped to serve in this role because:
- They are used to reading and understanding dense, text-heavy documents in the course of their work
- They are familiar with the process of applying for SSDI and SSI benefits
- They may be able to understand and explain wording that could be confusing or easily misconstrued
If you choose a lawyer to assist you in the SSDI or SSI application process, they may:
- Correspond directly with the SSA and other relevant agencies as your direct representative
- Obtain the medical documentation that is necessary or beneficial to your application for benefits, should you give them permission to do so
- Access your Social Security file if necessary
- Accompany and represent you in any in-person interviews or other processes necessary to complete the application or appeals process
A lawyer may serve the role of sounding board, legal representative, and administrative assistant as you aim to secure any benefits that you may need.
Lincolnton Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Call Our Team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Today
Applying for disability benefits of any sort can be a daunting, drawn-out process, and the SSDI and SSI benefit application processes are no exceptions. If you would like assistance with this process, call our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today at (828) 286-3866 for a free consultation.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form