If you have a medical condition or illness that limits or prevents you from working, you may qualify for disability benefits. The claims process can be difficult and complex. Many people encounter a range of barriers when they apply for this much-needed financial lifeline, resulting in a high percentage of applications being denied.
Our Orange City social security disability lawyers are here to fight for your rights and guide you through the appeals process from start to finish. We can explain what to do if your supplemental security income or social security disability insurance claim is denied in Orange City.
What are SSI and SSDI?
If you cannot work or are limited at work due to a disabling condition, the social security administration (SSA) provides two programs that pay benefits. Our Orange City personal injury lawyer can explain the qualifications for SSI and SSDI benefits. You may qualify for one or the other, or both, depending on your circumstances, as follows:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based benefit designed to help people living with a disability. Adults with no Social Security benefits or parents of disabled children can apply for SSI. To qualify for SSI, you must:
- Be blind or disabled or above 65 years of age
- Have low income and few financial assets
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI payments are available to help adults if their ability to work is affected by a qualifying illness or disability, provided they have worked five out of the last 10 years and paid enough Social Security and Medicare taxes on their earnings. Your condition must align with the SSA’s definition of disabled. The SSA’s definition of disabled means:
- You are unable to make above a given amount of money per month because of a physical or mental disability
- Your disability could result in death or will last for no less than 12 months
To consult with an experienced social security disability lawyer serving Orange City
855-780-9986
You Have Options if Your Claim Is Denied, but There Is Limited Time To Act
If your benefits claim was denied, you can appeal the SSA’s decision. However, time is a critical factor, as you have just 60 days after receiving a denial to ask for an appeal according to the SSA.
If you have already applied for disability benefits, you know that you must meet several requirements to qualify. Unfortunately, mistakes made during the initial application process are why most claims fall and are denied. Our social security disability benefits lawyers have over 40 years of experience helping people with their claims, so we understand what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Here are a few reasons claims are denied and what we do to help:
Insufficient Medical or Financial Evidence
Providing enough medical evidence is an important part of your claim. Despite the best efforts of the applicant, many claims are denied due to a lack of sufficient medical or financial evidence. We will carefully review your case to identify potential errors or missing information.
For example, your doctor may not have documented how your health condition interferes with your ability to work, so we would provide advice about discussing this with your doctor so your medical reports would be updated to reflect this new information.
Filing a New Claim Rather Than Appealing
Due to the sheer volume of applications the SSA handles, it is better to appeal a decision for a second look rather than start anew with your claim. You would likely only benefit from starting a new claim if you did not appeal your original claim within the 60-day timeframe or if your condition worsened. In that case, you may need a new claim to reflect the updates to your condition.
By appealing, you have the opportunity to include new evidence in support of your claim. We can rectify any mistakes in your application or present additional medical evidence and other supporting documentation to the SSA for reconsideration of your application.
Issues with Treatment Plans
The SSA may deny your claim if you fail to follow your treatment plan. However, if there is a valid reason for this, we can help you to bring it up during the appeals process.
Loss or Lack of Communication With the SSA
Keeping regular communication with the SSA and attending medical exams is always beneficial, or your claim will likely be denied. However, if you have a valid reason for any issues related to keeping appointments or providing documentation, we can help to address this during the appeal process. Further, with us fighting your corner, we will manage communications with the SSA on your behalf during all case-related hearings.
What Stages Are Involved in The Disability Benefits Appeal Process?
While frustrating, SSI and SSDI claim denials can be reversed, and four main stages are involved in the SSA appeals process. Irrespective of where you are in the appeals process at the moment, we can help you to understand why your claim was denied. We know how important your financial security is, and we will fight for you to receive the benefits you are entitled to and deserve. Here is how the process works:
Step One: Reconsideration
Reconsideration is when you request for the SSA to re-evaluate your initial claim. Remember, you must do this within 60 days of receiving a denial letter.
Step Two: Hearing With an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If reconsideration is unsuccessful, we can help you to prepare for a hearing in front of an ALJ. This is an opportunity for you to present your case and ask questions about the decisions made by the SSA. Again, we are with you every step, so you will always know what to expect when we represent you at the hearing.
Step Three: Review by the Social Security Appeals Council
At this stage, the Appeals Council will determine if the ALJ’s decision to deny your claim was made in error. Our disability attorney can present additional evidence and address any concerns affecting your case’s outcome.
Step Four: Federal Court Review
If the previous stages are unsuccessful, we can help you to file a lawsuit with the U.S Federal Court.
The difference between your case being approved or denied could be a simple administration error, or you may need to progress through several stages of appeal. Every case is unique, and we will stand with you to fight for the benefits you deserve.
Orange City Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
Work With Our Experienced Disability Benefits Lawyer in Orange City
With more than 40 years of helping clients with their injury and security benefits cases, the SSI and SSDI attorneys at Bogin, Munns & Munns understand how to help you, too. If you need help with an appeal, connect with us, and let us put our experience, knowledge, and resources to work for you today.
Call us today for a free consultation with a member of our team.
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