Have you recently become disabled and can no longer work? While the Social Security Administration administers two disability programs for eligible individuals, the application process is time-consuming and complicated, making the programs difficult to qualify for. That means many deserving people don’t get the benefits they desperately need and deserve. When you work with the Voorhees Township Social Security attorneys at Silver & Silver, you partner with professionals who understand the process inside and out and are dedicated to your successful disability claim. Don’t miss out on the benefits you deserve. Let us help. 

Today, over seven million people receive essential disability benefits from Social Security. These benefits come from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. However, the application and approval process can be overwhelming for most applicants. The result is that most applicants are turned down for these essential benefits, even when they deserve them. 

What Is The Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, was designed to provide essential benefits to those who have worked in the past, paid into the Social Security system, and become disabled. When someone has become disabled but has limited resources and hasn’t worked long enough or recently enough to qualify for SSDI, another program called Supplemental Security Income may be available. In some instances, individuals may even qualify for both programs.

The problem?

The qualification process is lengthy and complicated. Eligibility requires that applicants fit into Social Security’s narrow definition of disability, that the disability be considered long-term, and that the applicant be unable to work at their former job or any job that Social Security decides they may be qualified for. Applicants who don’t have enough medical evidence to support their disability claim or have made any number of small mistakes on their application are denied, leaving them to navigate an equally complex and lengthy appeal process.

Do You Qualify For Social Security Disability? 

Before you apply for Social Security disability benefits, it’s essential to understand the qualification process and what information will strengthen your case. Generally, to qualify for SSDI, you must meet Social Security’s exacting criteria:

 

• • You have worked recently and long enough under Social Security’s guidelines and paid into the system. 

• • You have earned enough work credits to qualify for benefits. 

• • Your disability cannot be considered a short-term or partial disability and must last for at least one year or eventually result in your death.

• • You earn less income than Social Security’s limit. 

• • You are unable to perform the work you did before or adjust to other work because of your disability.

You may automatically qualify for disability benefits: 

 

• • If you have a disabling condition found on the Social Security Administration’s official listing of impairments

• • Your condition meets Social Security’s definition of a compassionate allowance, such as cancer or a brain disorder

• • You meet one or more of the special provisions set out by Social Security

But even if you do feel you qualify, you must first prove it to Social Security, and this is where most deserving individuals struggle. 

Why Do Most Social Security Disability Claims Get Denied?

Unfortunately, most formal determinations by the Social Security Administration for disability benefits result in a denial. The most common reasons for a denial include:

 

• • The application was incomplete, or there were errors or inconsistencies in the documents. Information may have been missing, or there was not enough evidence supporting the condition’s severity and long-term disabling effect. Submission of an incomplete application or insufficient medical history will make it very challenging to get approved for disability benefits. 

• • The applicant is still working and making too much money. Under these circumstances, Social Security may decide the applicant is not “disabled.”

• • The applicant has not followed their doctor’s prescribed treatment plan or consistently attended appointments, indicating to Social Security that they aren’t actively trying to heal.

• • The applicant hasn’t submitted additional material that SSA may have requested.

These mistakes can be the kiss of death in a Social Security disability claim. Having the assistance of a skilled Voorhees Township, NJ, Social Security attorney can help prevent you from making these kinds of mistakes during the application process. At Silver & Silver, our team of experienced disability lawyers is dedicated to helping you get the benefits you deserve by assisting you with completing a comprehensive, correct, and well-supported initial application.

What Can You Do If You’ve Been Denied Disability Benefits?

While millions apply for Social Security disability benefits each year, only a small percentage are approved at initial application. Although applicants are entitled to have their applications reconsidered or go through an appeal process, this means even more time without needed benefits. 

If you’ve already been denied disability benefits, you don’t want to risk making the same mistakes during your reconsideration or appeal. The experienced Voorhees Township Social Security attorneys at Silver & Silver will review your denial letter to understand why you were denied and identify the weaknesses in your claim that should be addressed before the reconsideration or appeal process.  Call us if you need an SSD Lawyer. 

How Your Attorney Will Assist You In Your Appeal

During the reconsideration phase, your disability lawyer will help you gather additional or updated medical records to ensure that all relevant documents have been included with your application. They can also help you get expert medical or vocational opinions that support your claim. 

In preparation for your appeal, your attorney will ensure that your paperwork is accurate and filed on time. They will prepare you for your hearing before the administrative law judge (ALJ) and help you craft a position that clearly demonstrates how your condition has prevented you from working and how it will continue to do so. 

If your claim has been denied at the ALJ hearing, a skilled disability lawyer still has other options. Your attorney can request a review by Social Security’s Appeals Council or even take it to the federal level. Having an experienced disability attorney on your side can significantly improve the chance of a successful appeal, getting you the benefits you desperately need and deserve. 

Get The Help of Our Experienced Social Security Attorneys in Voorhees Township, NJ

When you can’t work, every day without benefits can be emotionally and financially challenging. Let the experienced Voorhees Township Social Security Attorneys at Silver & Silver help you get the disability benefits you deserve. Call us at (610) 638-7255 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us through our website.

Disclosure:

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.