Talk to Our Rockford SSD Attorneys – We Can Help You Obtain Your Disability Benefits
If you’re unable to work because of a disability, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Social Security Disability is awarded to disabled individuals who are unable to earn a living wage due to their impairment(s). This means they can’t take part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two benefit programs designed to provide financial assistance to disabled individuals. You may file under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Which program you qualify for will depend on your work history, current income, and other factors.
If you have a physical or mental impairment that stops you from working, The Crosby Law Firm can help you get the benefits you need.
How to Qualify For Disability Benefits
In order to prevent fraudulent claims, the SSA has strict guidelines that claimants have to meet in order to receive benefits.
If you’re disabled and planning to apply for Social Security Disability, your condition must meet the following criteria:
- Your condition prevents you from taking part in SGA.
- Your condition is medically diagnosable.
- Your condition has or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Your condition falls under one of the Blue Book listings or equates to one of the listings in severity.
The Blue Book includes numerous categories of impairment listings that qualify people for disability benefits. The SSA uses the Blue Book to assess claimant eligibility.
If your condition is not listed in the Blue Book, that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for SSD. However, it might be harder to prove your disability. Social Security applications are complicated even when a disability case is straightforward, so it’s important to consult an experienced attorney when filing a claim.
Filing For SSDI or SSI
Individuals who are eligible for SSDI are not eligible for SSI. Each program is designed in a unique way to help support the appropriate beneficiaries.
SSDI is only awarded to individuals who have paid into the Social Security System by working and paying payroll taxes. This means they have a substantial work history and have earned enough work credits to be eligible for disability benefits.
SSI is awarded to individuals who have never worked, or do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. Additionally, SSI is a needs-based program, which means it’s only available to individuals with extremely limited income and resources.
To qualify for either SSDI or SSI, the disability requirements are the same. However, SSDI is strictly for disabled workers, while SSI is for the disabled, blind, or people 65 and older.
Children can also qualify for SSI. In such cases, the disability requirements are slightly different from qualifying criteria for disabled adults.
If you’re looking to file for disability benefits, contact our experienced disability attorneys in Rockford, IL. We’ll assist you in navigating the complex process of applying for SSDI or SSI. We’re here to help make sure you get the benefits you need and deserve, no matter your situation.
Filing A Social Security Disability Claim
Filing for Social Security Disability requires providing the SSA with specific documentation. Alongside personal information, work history, and financial details, substantial medical evidence is crucial. This can include treatment records, test results, and doctor assessments detailing the severity of your condition.
Non-medical documentation can also include employment history, job descriptions, and education background. The SSA evaluates whether your condition meets their definition of disability by considering the impairment’s severity, duration, and impact on work. Providing comprehensive and up-to-date information significantly enhances the chances of a successful claim approval.
The SSA may also ask you to undergo a medical examination or Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment to determine your eligibility.
If you’re preparing to file a disability claim, contact The Crosby Law Firm today. Our Social Security Disability lawyers in Rockford, IL can improve your chances of being approved for benefits. We know what the SSA will look for when reviewing your claim, and the steps they take to reach a determination.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation!
How Much Will You Receive in Benefits?
The amount of disability benefits you receive hinges on factors like your medical condition, work history, and financial circumstances. Given the intricacies of benefit calculation, it’s wise to consult a Rockford Social Security attorney to help you navigate your unique situation.
If you’re concerned your disability payments could affect your retirement benefits, these concerns are unfounded. SSD payments transition into Social Security retirement benefits when you reach retirement age. They do not impact your eligibility to receive retirement benefits.
Disability Appeals
Despite how many individuals need Social Security Disability benefits, most initial claims are denied. However, a denial is not the end of the road for your SSDI or SSI claim. The SSA does have an appeals process in place to allow claimants to challenge a denial of benefits.
You have 60 days from the date you receive a determination to make a request for reconsideration.
Why Hire An Attorney For Your Appeal
If you’ve been denied benefits, you’ll find appeals are even more complex than the initial filing process. Our Social Security attorneys in Rockford, IL will stand by your side throughout every stage of your appeal. We will begin by evaluating your claim to identify any mistakes or discrepancies that may have contributed to your denial.
Contact Our Disability Attorneys in Rockford, Illinois
If you’re looking for reliable disability lawyers in Rockford, Illinois, look no further than The Crosby Law Firm. We are highly skilled in Social Security Disability Law and we make it a point to work personally with every client. That means we don’t look at your situation as just another claim. We get to know you and your medical condition as thoroughly as possible so we can effectively build your case.
Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with our Social Security Disability attorneys in Rockford, IL. We have years of legal experience representing Social Security claimants.
Allow one of our skilled lawyers to represent you. We will work hard to get you the benefits you need. You can also rely on us when you need a bankruptcy, real estate, personal injury, or workers’ compensation attorney in Rockford, IL.
