Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a vital source of financial support if you become physically or cognitively disabled and are prevented from holding gainful employment as a result. However, these benefits are not made available to every American worker, and you will likely need to be prepared with lots of supporting evidence if you want to successfully apply for and receive these benefits after experiencing a disabling injury or illness.
Navigating the rules and requirements for Summerlin SSDI claims will almost certainly be easier with guidance from an experienced legal professional with years of experience helping people like you file claims like this. From start to finish of the application process, our SSDI attorneys at Shook & Stone could help you prove your eligibility, get past common procedural roadblocks, and maximize your chances of obtaining the benefits you need.
Qualifying Criteria for SSDI Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines eligibility for SSDI benefits based on two factors: whether an applicant is, in fact, “disabled” and whether they have enough “work credits” to qualify for SSDI. According to the SSA’s definition of “disability,” someone is only eligible to file an SSDI claim in Summerlin, Rhodes Ranch, Sovana, or Sun City if:
- They have suffered an injury or illness that prevents them from performing “substantial gainful activity” and will last for at least one year or directly result in their death, and
- They cannot adjust to performing another kind of work other than the work they did prior to becoming disabled
“Work credits,” on the other hand, are accrued by performing work for someone else or being self-employed and paying FICA taxes out of take-home pay received for that work. Most applicants must have obtained at least 40 credits total and 20 credits within the ten years prior to when they became disabled to qualify for benefits. However, these requirements change somewhat for people who become disabled long before what is considered “retirement age.”
How to Apply for SSDI
The easiest way to start an SSDI claim in Summerlin is to complete an online application through the SSA’s website, but there are several alternatives to this option as well. For example, it is possible to apply over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 8 AM and 7 PM, or by calling 1-800-325-0778 for “TTY” services meant for applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing.
It is also possible to apply for SSDI benefits in person by visiting a Social Security Administration Field Office. The closest office to most Summerlin residents is located at Suite 150, 1250 S Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89117. It is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, and can be reached by phone at 1-866-704-4859.
A Summerlin Attorney Could Help with Your SSDI Claim
Applying for SSDI benefits for the first time can be a surprisingly confusing and intimidating process, and it hardly gets any easier if you have applied and had your application rejected one or more times in the past. No matter when you were disabled or whether you have interacted with the SSA before, though, assistance from dependable legal counsel could help you get through this process more efficiently and with greater chances of getting a successful final result.
A dedicated and knowledgeable lawyer at Shook & Stone could help you with every step of your Summerlin SSDI claim. Call today for a private consultation.
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