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Struggling With Your Social Security Disability Claim? We Can Help!
You or a loved one may be struggling with a disability that has kept you from working and left you wondering how you will pay for your day-to-day living expenses. You are probably tired, frustrated, and looking for a way to provide for yourself and your family with self-respect. You are not alone. We are here to help.
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Learn your Rights. Get Answers. Free.
Get to Know the Social Security Programs
Social Security Disability Insurance is one of two disability programs offered through Social Security. Different from SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI is a program designed to make an individual’s work history an asset to them. Every work quarter you have Social Security withheld from your paycheck, you receive one-quarter of SSDI coverage. While SSDI is meant to be a good resource for hard working Americans who run into health problems, qualifying for benefits can be very difficult. This is because the Social Security application process is very long, confusing, and technical. Because of this, we want to provide you with the resources you need to get the benefits you have earned. Get a copy of our free Utah Social Security Disability Handbook or check out the list of commonly asked questions below to learn how you can qualify for SSDI.
Social Security Disability FAQs
For more common questions and their answers, click the link above.
What are the eligibility requirements?
If you are over the age of 30 and want to qualify for SSDI, you are required to have worked five of the last ten years and to have had Social Security withheld from your paycheck during that time. In addition, you must have a disability that keeps you from working for a year or longer.
What benefits can I receive?
Cash benefits
The amount of cash disability benefits you will receive depends on how much money you made during your working life. The more income you have earned, the more was withheld from your paycheck and the more you get back. Essentially, disability benefits are a return on investment. You get back what you paid in.
Medical benefits
Cash benefits are not the only benefits for SSDI; medical benefits are also available. Once you receive SSDI benefits for 24 months, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare. Because many people lose their group health insurance benefits when they stop working, this allows them to continue receiving medical treatment for their injury or illness.
What happens if I’ve been denied? Can I reapply?
If your claim has been denied, you may be wondering what to do next. Many people stop fighting for their benefits because they become discouraged and feel like the Social Security Administration doesn’t take their disability seriously. What they don’t know is that most disability claims are denied the first time around. To win, you need to be prepared to appeal the claim several times. If you disagree with the SSA’s decision (and you should), you have the right to ask the SSA to look at your application again. At this point, you might want to consider getting help from an attorney who works with SSDI claims on a daily basis. Our lawyers understand disability law and what the Social Security Administration expects from your application. Hiring a Social Security attorney is your best chance of receiving your disability benefits.
What You Need to Know About Social Security Disability Laws
Social Security is a complex program that has evolved since it first began in the 1930s. In addition to providing financial security for the elderly, Social Security also tries to help those who are ill or disabled find financial independence. This is funded through taxes collected on your paycheck every pay period. Because of this, if you become disabled, you have a right to obtain the benefits you’ve been helping fund all along. To learn more about the Social Security Act and disability laws, click the link above.