The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends that you apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. At times when you may still be dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a disability, however, navigating the SSD application process can be a challenge. At Shook & Stone, our experienced SSDI attorneys are here to walk you step-by-step through the process to ensure that you receive the benefits you need.
If you have a disability and need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to have a seasoned attorney on your side. The Las Vegas SSDI application process can be complex, and if your claim is denied, your lawyer can help you appeal the decision.
At Shook & Stone, we have more than 35 years of experience handling Social Security Disability claims. We know what it takes to win benefits, and we will fight for you every step of the way.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies most initial applications for benefits. In fact, only about 30 percent of all applications are approved at this stage. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. However, the appeals process can be complicated, and it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
At Shook & Stone, we have a proven track record of success in appeals. We will thoroughly review your case and build a strong argument on your behalf. We will also guide you through every step of the appeals process so you can be confident that your claim is being handled by experienced professionals.
Information You Will Need
SSDI benefits provide financial assistance to people whose physical or mental disabilities prevent them from working. This means that all applicants must prove that they meet the criteria to qualify for SSDI. To do so, you must provide certain information about yourself, including:
- ID, proof of age, and Social Security number
- Names and contact information of doctors, clinics, hospitals, or other medical professionals who have provided you care, as well as the dates of your visits.
- Information about any medications you take
- Medical records from any medical professional that provided treatment
- Any test and lab results
- Information about your work history, where you worked, and the type of work you did
- A recent W-2 form or federal tax return
- Information about family members who may qualify for benefits
Our Las Vegas legal team understands the importance of providing sufficient evidence when applying for SSDI benefits and can assist you in compiling and obtaining the necessary information you will need to provide. You can visit our qualifying for SSDI page to learn more about the criteria you will need to meet.
Understanding the Process
Once you have gathered the necessary information, it is important to understand the application process. For one, applying for SSDI benefits in Las Vegas is a process that takes longer than other types of Social Security claims – typically from 3 to 5 months. Providing as much information as possible about your disability and work history can help shorten this process. A state agency will review your application and may ask you to complete an examination or medical test before issuing a decision.
It is important to understand that because the SSD application process is so complex, the SSA often denies benefits to applicants. In fact, denial rates during the initial stage of the application process are approximately 60%. If you have been denied benefits, our attorneys can help you appeal the decision.
Wondering if you meet the SSDI requirements?
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If you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you will receive a monthly payment that is based on your average earnings over the course of your working life. In most cases, you will also be eligible for Medicare after you have received disability benefits for two years.
In Nevada, the average monthly disability benefit is $1,171. However, your benefit amount may be higher or lower depending on your earnings history.
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and paid into the system for a certain period of time. The amount of time you need to have worked depends on your age. For example, if you are under 24, you need to have worked for at least six months in the last three years.
If you are not sure whether you qualify for benefits, or if you have any other questions about Social Security Disability, please contact Shook & Stone. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you file a claim for benefits.
As of January 2017, there were about 10.4 million people receiving Social Security Disability benefits across the country. If you are one of the many Nevadans who are disabled and need help, contact Shook & Stone today.
Social Security Disability
The requirements to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits are strict. You must be able to show that your disability is severe and that it prevents you from working. You must also have worked long enough to earn the required number of work credits.
If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible for two different types of benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federally-funded program that provides benefits to workers who have a disability that prevents them from working. To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked long enough to earn the required number of work credits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal program that provides benefits to disabled adults and children who meet certain income requirements. If you qualify for SSI, you may also be eligible for Medicaid. The SSA deducts your unearned income from your countable earned income.
Applying for Social Security Disability in Nevada
If you are applying in person you may visit one of the SSA’s field offices. You can find a list of field offices on the SSA website.
https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
If you are applying by mail, you can download an application from the SSA website.
You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to request an application be mailed to you.
Once you have completed the application, you can mail it to your local SSA office or drop it off at a field office.
SSDI / SSI Medical Conditions
Medical conditions can be found at the SSA’s website.
Common medical conditions that qualify for Social Security Disability include:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Back problems
- Heart conditions
- HIV/AIDS
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Seizure disorders
- Kidney disease
Medical conditions or impairments are separated into two types:
Adult Listings (https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm) and;
Child Listings (https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm)
The social security administration will review your medical records to determine your eligibility for benefits.
You will need to provide the SSA with information about your medical history, including the names and contact information for your doctors, hospitals, and clinics. You should also include a list of all the medications you are taking and any medical evidence pertinent to the case. Providing medical evidence to your social security claimant’s representatives can help you with your social security disability claim.
The SSA will also consider any other relevant information, such as school records (for children), work records, and information about your daily activities.
If you are denied benefits, you may be able to appeal the decision. You have the right to representation during the appeals process.
Appealing a Social Security Disability Denial in Nevada
If your application for benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process can be complicated, and it is important to have an experienced SSD lawyer / SSDI lawyer walk you though the appeals process. The ACL Administrative Law Judge, is the authority on hearing your case. The administrative law judge will look at the evidence you provide to see if you meet the requirements for benefits.
Shook & Stone can help you file an appeal and represent you at your hearing. We have years of experience helping people in Nevada get the benefits they deserve.
If you have questions about the Social Security Disability process, or if your application has been denied, please contact us today. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you file a claim for benefits. We will work closely with you and take you though the whole process. Get a free consultation from experienced disability lawyers. Fill out the free initial consultation form to get started.
Request a Free Case Evaluation Today
Our Nevada Security disability lawyers serve all of the state with locations in Las Vegas and Reno we have helped numerous clients successfully apply for and obtain disability benefits – and we are prepared to see how we can help you. If you would like more information about applying for SSD, your eligibility, and how Shook & Stone can help, complete a free online case evaluation form or call at (702) 570-0000 for a free consultation.
How to Apply for SSD Benefits
The first step to obtaining Social Security Disability (SSD) is to file an application through your local Social Security office.
This can be done online, over the phone, or in person.
You will be required to complete and submit an Adult Disability Report (Form SSA-3368), which you can also complete online, as well as an Application for Disability Insurance Benefits. You will also need to provide the following documents:
- Birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status
- U.S. military discharge papers if you served before 1968
- W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for the previous year
- Medical evidence already in your possession, such as records, doctors’ reports, and recent test results
- Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements, or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits you received
What happens after I apply for Social Security disability?
Once you’ve submitted all the necessary information and applied for SSD benefits, your application will be sent to the state disability agency to be reviewed by the Disability Determination Services (DDS). They will make a decision regarding your claim and notify you by mail as to whether or not you have been granted benefits. If your claim is denied, you may appeal the claim in order to reverse the decision and win benefits.
An Attorney Could Help
If you need to apply for Social Security disability, get the counsel and representation of a Las Vegas Social Security disability lawyer immediately. Shook & Stone has recovered more than $100 million for clients in settlements and verdicts since 1997 and we have the experience to help you obtain fair benefits through your Social Security Insurance. Contact an attorney from our firm today to engage in a free case evaluation and find out how we could handle your case.
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