If you have a mental health or physical condition, the ability to consistently work may be significantly impacted. Physical pain, medical appointments, treatment, and more may make it incredibly challenging to maintain consistent employment because of the time you are unable to be at work. It can be incredibly stressful to worry over how a person will make a living and continue to work while suffering so exponentially. As a result, your sights may turn to the benefits that social security disability can provide. There many questions that SSDI applicants may be seeking answers to:
How do I initiate the process of applying for social security disability benefits?
When applying for social security disability benefits, there are a few different options. Applicants can either contact someone by phone, complete an application online, meet with a representative in person, or walk-in for an appointment. The route to take will primarily rely on many factors, your cognitive functioning, and the ability to complete an application on your own. In some cases, it may be beneficial to schedule an appointment with a representative for assistance to ensure that nothing is left out of the application.
How do I know if I am eligible for social security disability benefits?
In order to receive benefits, you will need first to determine whether you are eligible. To qualify, applicants must have done the following:
- Have a medical condition that qualifies under the SSA’s definition of social security
- Have retained a job that is covered by social security
- Have worked for long enough and obtained enough work credits
- You are unable to work any longer
What documentation is necessary during the application process?
Applying for a disability requires an extensive amount of paperwork for the application process. Applicants will be required to provide:
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of identity
- Tax returns
- Medical Documentation
- +More
Is it possible to retain social security disability benefits while still working?
Working is known as “substantial gainful activity,” meaning that if you are making more than a specified amount, you will not be able to obtain SSDI benefits. If you are receiving benefits, in some cases, you will be able to temporarily try out your ability to retain employment while still receiving SSDI benefits. After the trial period, you may lose the benefits; however, you may be able to have your disability benefits reinstated if you are unable to continue working due to your medical condition.
Do I need the help of a lawyer to apply for SSDI?
Many applicants may wonder whether they should retain the services of an SSDI lawyer for assistance. While a consultation will be important, it may be challenging to have a lawyer’s help in the most straightforward of situations depending upon your situation. However, if your case is more complicated, or your condition is not covered by the Social Security Administration, contacting a lawyer will be in your best interest.
When a person requires SSDI, they are likely to need both extensive medical care and financial assistance to keep up their standard of living. If this is the case, it may be in your best interest to pursue the process of applying for social security disability benefits with the guidance of experienced social security disability lawyers, like from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.
