Long-term disability benefits can provide much-needed relief when you are unable to work due to an injury or health condition. The financial assistance can offset the cost of your medical care and loss of income.
However, if you are struggling to secure the benefits you need, a Las Vegas long-term disability lawyer can help you navigate the process.
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers are committed to ensuring you have an advocate on your side who can fight for you when you need it the most. Our award-winning team has over 150 years of combined experience and is there for you when you are facing the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
A Las Vegas Social Security Disability lawyer will help you get the relief you deserve.Â
When applying for long-term disability benefits, there are a few requirements you must meet to qualify for assistance. First and foremost, you must have been disabled for a year or more without the ability to work.
You must also provide sufficient documentation of your condition through medical records, test results, and medication information. You must also provide a W-2 or tax return to verify your income. Â
You must also meet work duration requirements to verify you are eligible for benefits under Social Security. This looks at how many years you were active in the workforce and whether or not you accrued enough credits to receive disability benefits.
To be fully covered, you must have worked at least 5 years and earned 20 credits.
Fewer credits may be allowed if you have been in the workforce for a short time or under the age of 22 when your disability occurred. In certain circumstances, individuals who are blind may not have to meet all the requirements to be eligible.
It is important to talk with a Las Vegas long-term disability attorney about your situation to determine your eligibility for benefits.Â
When applying for disability insurance, you are likely wondering what the benefits of long-term Social Security Disability are. This is important to know since the benefits you receive will significantly impact your life and the amount of income you have to live on every month.
The types of benefits you need will also affect what you apply for when filling out your application.
Once approved for benefits, you will generally receive a monthly payment, which is based on the average amount of your lifetime earnings. Your benefits may also be able to provide for your family if your spouse is over the age of 66 or caring for a child under the age of 16.
Dependents, disabled children, and divorced spouses may qualify in certain circumstances. You may also be eligible to be paid retroactively.
Additionally, certain circumstances can affect your disability benefits once you have been approved. For example, if you are receiving additional government benefits, they could impact the payments you get for your long-term disability.
Similarly, if you find gainful employment, it could disqualify you from benefits except in certain circumstances.Â
Claims can be denied for any number of reasons. Some of the most common are filing incorrectly, not providing enough evidence, not having a qualifying disability, or not meeting work or age qualifications.
When a denial is issued, you can appeal the decision with the help of a long–term disability lawyer in Las Vegas. There are very specific steps in the appeal process that your lawyer can guide you through.Â
Whether you receive a denial through Social Security Disability benefits or after filing a claim for your disability benefits through your employer, the process is similar.
You may first request that the decision be reviewed and reconsidered. If you receive another denial, you may be able to take action to have your case heard by a court judge. You may be able to appeal to a higher court if your claim is still denied.Â
Appealing your claim must adhere to strict time limits, so it is important to work with a lawyer to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines for your request. They can also ensure that you understand your rights and protections as you proceed through the appeal process.Â
Having your claim denied when you are disabled is very frustrating and exacerbates the stress that you are already under. You may have a limited capacity to battle with the Social Security Administration as well.
This is where hiring an experienced lawyer to help you secure benefits is crucial. They can advocate on your behalf while you focus on taking care of yourself.Â
Your lawyer can guide you through the application and appeal process to ensure the paperwork is filled out correctly and requirements are met.
With their knowledge of Social Security benefits and negotiation tactics, they can increase the likelihood that you will be able to recover benefits for your disability. They will also protect your rights so you are not treated unfairly while trying to secure compensation.Â
Your lawyer can also walk you through the statute of limitations for Las Vegas Social Security Disability claims. While these time limits are different from personal injury or criminal cases, they do apply to the duration of your disability prior to applying, as well as the amount of time you have allotted in the appeal process.
Your lawyer will ensure you do not exceed this when pursuing benefits.Â
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers understands that the process to secure long-term disability benefits can be both confusing and overwhelming. We help you navigate the steps involved to ensure you meet the requirements and appeal unfairly denied claims.Â
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options for getting the long-term disability benefits that you need.Â