Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be a long and arduous process. It involves large amounts of documents and medical evidence that provide details on your hematological disorder, its severity, and the limitations it imposes on your physical capabilities and your ability to work.
Even after providing the required paperwork, your application might still be denied. A disability lawyer might be able to help you submit your application and guide you through the multi-step appeals process if your application is rejected.
When you are ready to pursue medical benefits to help you treat and manage your current physical condition, a local disability lawyer may be able to help you fight for the benefits you may be entitled to receive.
Basic Qualifications for SSD Benefits
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), benefits are awarded to disabled men and women through two programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is awarded to individuals who are considered insured because they worked long and recently enough and paid Social Security taxes while they worked. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is awarded to disabled individuals who have limited income and resources and are unable to work.
Basic disability qualifications are determined based on the SSA’s five-question system for defining disability. Those five questions are:
- Are you physically able to work?
- Is your condition categorized as severe?
- Does it appear on SSA’s list of disabling conditions?
- Can you continue to do your previous job?
- Are you able to do another type of job?
The answers to these questions may also need to be followed up with evidence that proves the severity of your disability and its impact on your physical health and your ability to maintain gainful employment.
Compile the Following Personal, Financial, Employment, and Medical Information
As part of the complex SSD benefits process, you may be asked to compile and submit certain information that may involve:
- Personal information: including your date of birth, Social Security number, marital status, list of dependents, and your banking information.
- Medical information and evidence: including contact information for key members of your health care team and the results of medical, lab, and imaging tests.
- Employment information: including your income from the previous year, contact information from your employer, and your military service information, if applicable.
Your lawyer can help you ensure the application you submit for benefits is complete and on time.
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Defining the Severity of Your Hematological Disease
Certain hematological disabilities on SSA – 7.00 Hematological Disorders-Adult include sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and their variants. Additional hematological illnesses and diseases include:
- Bone marrow failure
- Repeated complications
- Thrombosis and hemostasis
- Disorders treated with stem cells
- Disorders treated with bone marrow
Inclusion on this list is not enough to guarantee approval for disability benefits, as you are also required to establish the severity of your disability. To do that, you may be asked to submit laboratory reports and test results, a persuasive report from your doctor, and confirmation of a definitive diagnosis, among other forms of relevant documentation.
Get a Lawyer’s Help if Your Condition Prevents You from Working
When you hire a disability lawyer to help you apply for the benefits you may need, they may be able to help you determine which programs you are eligible for and submit the required proof on your behalf. They can also receive information and assist you in obtaining medical records and evidence that support your potential right to disability benefits.
Your lawyer can also represent you at SSA interviews, conferences, or hearings. In addition, he can help you prepare for and represent you during the appeals process if your initial application for benefits is denied.
Find Out if Your Hematological Disorder Means You Qualify for Benefits
A medical condition that causes a disabling impairment could mean you are eligible for medical and financial benefits. From choosing which program to apply for to understanding the wealth of required information, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, may be able to help.
Our disability benefits team might also be able to help you submit an application that demonstrates the nature and severity of your disability and helps establish your right to monthly benefits. Get help from the Social Security Disability team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, by calling us at (828) 286-3866 today. The first call is free of charge.