Filing a social security disability claim is not a walk in the park, even though it should be. Most times, applicants need a representative’s help to guide them through the process. Our expert SSDI attorneys can help you.
This article will give you information on how to file your social security disability insurance (SSDI) claim correctly and ensure that you get your benefits. We have outlined the steps to take.
Steps to Successfully Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
The following are the steps you should take before filing an SSDI claim:
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Find Out if You Are Eligible
To determine your eligibility for SSDI benefits, you need to answer several questions. They include:
- Are You Still Working?
If you can still make more than a specific amount each year, the SSA might deny your claims despite your disability.
- Is Your Medical Situation a Social Security Administration (SSA) Disabling Condition?
The SSA has a list of disabling limitations. If they cannot find your condition on that list, it would make filing your claim tasking.
- Are You Still Physically or/and Mentally Able to Work?
If you can still work, whether at your current job or the one you used to have, the SSA might deny your claim.
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Take the SSA Tests
You must scale through two tests to qualify for SSDI benefits. These are the ‘Duration of Work’ and the ‘Recent Work’ tests.
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Get a Disability Benefits Lawyer
Most people seek an attorney as their representative to help them file a social security disability claim. This is a smart choice as filing actions of this nature can be quite complicated. Therefore, you would need an experienced guide like a social security law attorney to guide you.
What Will an SSDI Lawyer Do for You?
A legal practitioner will help you with the following:
Prepare Your Claim
This step involves you getting all the necessary documents for your application. The forms include your personal, financial, and contact information, employment history, and medical records.
It also contains data about other disability claims you are a beneficiary of (if this applies to you). This information is vital because it helps determine if you are eligible for social security disability insurance benefits.
As such, you must provide the only accurate details. If, for some reason, you cannot access all the documentation by yourself, an attorney can assist you. An SSI Lawyer will ensure that you have all the necessary documentation filed. They will keep you from hitting a snag throughout the claims process.
Keep Track of the Process
After preparing and sending in your claim, you must keep track of its progress. This is because filing an SSDI benefits claim is not usually a one-off task. Quite many people apply for the aid without necessarily needing to.
This means that the SSA has to be thorough in investigating claims. As such, they are likely to have further questions. They might even ask for additional documentation. An SSI Attorney can help ease this process. They will alert you of new developments and ensure that you answer all further questions from the SSA appropriately.
Finalize Your Claim
When your claim is finally approved, you must review the benefits offered to you. An experienced Wisconsin disability lawyer knows what the average SSDI benefit should look like. Thus, they can ensure that the SSA adequately compensates you for your disability.
Appeal a Denied Claim
Sometimes, your claim could get denied. According to a National Academies Press Report, 36 percent of applicants whose claims get denied file an appeal. However, if you employ a lawyer to guide you through the above processes, you reduce the chances of this occurrence.
Supposing your claim gets rejected, you can appeal with the help of an SSDI attorney. If you also believe that you did not receive adequate compensation, you can contest it. You must do this within 60 days of receiving the SSA decision letter.
To appeal, your lawyer can file a request for reconsideration. If the SSA still does not compensate you adequately, your attorney can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. They can also request a hearing if the SSA outrightly denies your claim. If you are still dissatisfied, you can contest the decision at the Appeals Council level and, finally, the Federal Court.
Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney in Milwaukee Today!
Getting your disability benefits is quite crucial as it could make a massive difference in your life. Our experienced SSI attorneys at Tabak Law are on hand to help you through the process. Give us a call today to get started.