Call Us NowHelping Those with Disabilities Receive Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to those who are disabled and cannot work. These payments can be used to pay for medical bills, daily expenses, and other financial responsibilities. SSDI payments can mean the difference between struggling to pay your bills and providing for your family. For many qualifying individuals, SSDI payments are life-changing.
Unfortunately, Social Security disability is a limited program that cannot accept all applicants. Many qualifying individuals find their claims unfairly denied, leading to a further financial burden. Working with a Social Security disability attorney dramatically increases your chances of success when applying for disability benefits.
Our team at Rowland & Yauger, Attorneys & Counselors at Law has extensive experience with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its various benefits programs. We are confident that with our legal knowledge and background, we can help you through the application process to get you approved for benefits. To learn more about our law firm, call today at 910-621-2991 (Carthage) or 336-537-5547 (Asheboro).
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
The SSA has strict qualification requirements for SSDI applicants. One of the main requirements is meeting the SSA’s definition of disability. Under the SSA, disability is defined as having a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working. This same disability must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
The SSA has a list of qualifying disorders on its website. Qualifying disabilities include:
- Cardiovascular disorders: Chronic heart failure, heart transplant, recurrent arrhythmias
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Amputations, spine disorders, major fractures, osteoarthritis
- Cancer: Lymphoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia
- Skin disorders: Dermatitis, burns, ichthyosis
- Immune system disorders: Lupus, inflammatory arthritis, systemic sclerosis
- Digestive disorders: Liver dysfunction, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Special sense and speech disorders: Hearing loss, blindness, loss of speech
- Respiratory disorders: Lung transplantation, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis
- Neurological disorders: Multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), epilepsy, parkinsonian syndrome
- Genitourinary system disorders: Kidney transplant, kidney disease
- Mental disorders: Personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This is not an exhaustive list, and some disabilities that are not on the list still meet the SSA’s definition. Medical records and other medical evidence can be used to show that you qualify for SSDI benefits and that you can no longer work due to your disability.
What Are Work Credits?
The other component of qualifying for SSDI payments is having a certain number of work credits. SSD benefits require qualifying individuals to have worked long enough and recently enough before applying. The most work credits anyone can earn in a single year is four.
The number of work credits you must have depends on how old you are and how long you have been in the workforce. It will also depend on the age at which you were diagnosed with your disability. In most cases, individuals must have at least 40 work credits, 20 of which have been earned in the last ten years. Younger workers can qualify with fewer credits.
The amount of work needed to earn a work credit changes every year. In 2024, you earn a single work credit for making $1,730 in wages or income. You can earn up to four work credits every year.
What is the SSD Application Timeline?
Unfortunately, the SSD application timeline is often lengthy. The SSA has a backlog of disability benefits applications and appeals, meaning you may have to wait months or even years before receiving benefits.
Before your claim is resolved, you may have to go through several steps:
File Your Application
The SSDI application will ask you questions about your disability and how it impacts your daily life. You can include medical records and other evidence showing that you cannot perform regular job duties. Once the SSA receives your application, they will process it. Your application will then be sent to a Disability Determination Services (DDS) office for review.
If your claim is accepted, you will begin receiving payments within a few months. If your claim is denied, you will receive a denial letter in the mail.
File an Appeal
Most people have their SSDI claims denied the first time. If you would like to go through the appeals process, you can submit a request for an appeal within 60 days. The appeals process can take several months.
Appeal Hearing
If your application is denied yet again, you can request an appeal hearing. This hearing can take anywhere from six months to two years to schedule. Working with a team of experienced lawyers is the best way to speed up the process and get your application accepted quickly.
Do I Need Legal Assistance?
Receiving disability benefits could be life-changing for you and your family. Unfortunately, many individuals are denied benefits the first time, even if they qualify under the SSA’s definition. The disability benefits application process is confusing and often complex, leading to qualified individuals being denied for making simple mistakes.
Social Security disability lawyers will help guide you through your SSD application. We know what the SSA is looking for, and we can help you gather medical evidence and testimonies to bolster your claim. If your application is denied, we will help you file an appeal and even represent you in a disability hearing.
Please don’t feel like you must navigate disability services on your own. Our team understands how challenging it can be without a legal background, and we are committed to helping you get the benefits you deserve. For more information, contact Rowland & Yauger, Attorneys & Counselors at Law at 910-621-2991 (Carthage) or 336-537-5547 (Asheboro).