Common Questions About Social Security Disability Benefits
Published on January 12th, 2022 by Eric Slepian
The world of social security disability and social security insurance can be confusing. There are a lot of different rules and regulations and the system can be confusing to navigate.
Today, we’re going to discuss some of the most common questions individuals have when it comes to social security disability benefits in Phoenix, AZ.
What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social security disability insurance, also known as SSDI, is an American federal government program. It gives monetary assistance to those who can’t pay their bills due to a debilitating disability that keeps them from being able to work. With this program, an individual will receive monthly checks of a certain amount.
What Are The Types Of Disability Benefits?
There are two types of disability benefits that are provided by the Social Security Administration, also known as the SSA. The first type is SSDI, which is financial governmental assistance to those who have Social Security and taxed income. The other type is Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI.
This program financially assists those who don’t qualify for SSDI but still have a low enough income to receive some sort of assistance.
How to Qualify For Disability Social Security Benefits
Qualifying for disability benefits is a multi-step process, as there are many different requirements, specifications, and regulations that all need to be met. The first piece of criteria is meeting the medical standards in the Blue Book, which is the SSA’s official publication outlining qualifying medical conditions and symptoms. Quite a bit of medical evidence is required to prove your disability and severity of symptoms.
Next, you must have been unable to work for 12 consecutive months, and unable to get a new position due to your disability. Your disability must prevent you from working and be expected to last for at least a year. Lastly, you must also meet a minimum income standard.
How Long Does The Application Process Take?
Applying for SSDI benefits can take some time – around 6 to 8 months, depending on your specific case’s circumstances and whether or not you’re working with a social security disability attorney. Generally, the application process length depends on how long it takes you to gather and submit the correct medical evidence, as well as how backed up the SSA is in processing applications.
If a claim is persuasive and has the right amount and type of medical and physical evidence, it could get processed in as little as a month. However, if it contains any errors or is missing evidence, the application process will take much longer.
Does Working With a Lawyer Help?
Working with a lawyer can make all the difference when applying for SSDI benefits. The SSA is extremely strict when it comes to what type of medical evidence is acceptable or sufficient, and a lawyer will ensure that you submit the right evidence. In addition, if you’ve been denied benefits, chances are you’ll be denied again unless you work with an attorney who knows what they’re doing.
An attorney is able to take all the pressure and stress off so you know your application is as strong as can be with all the necessary components.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
The team at Slepian Ellexson, PLLC makes it their mission to help all individuals get approved for disability benefits. If you have been denied benefits, or don’t know where to start with your application, we encourage you to reach out to us. For assistance with SSDI and SSI in Glendale, AZ, contact our firm.
