The legal team at Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers helps people in Summerlin get the Social Security disability benefits they need to support their families and move forward. Our firm has recovered over $100 million for injured and disabled clients, and we know how to fight for results when benefits are delayed or denied.
When you need support, your Summerlin Social Security disability lawyer with Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers is ready to guide you. If your situation also involves a serious accident or physical injury, your Summerlin personal injury lawyer is here to help. Call our firm today to get the answers you need.
Qualifying Criteria for Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security disability benefits are not automatic just because you are unable to work. To qualify, you need to meet both medical and work-related criteria. Our firm is here to help you figure out how those rules apply to your situation and what steps are needed to move forward with your claim.
SSA’s Medical Standards and Common Conditions
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of “disabled.” That means your condition must prevent you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that commonly qualify.
Some of the most common qualifying conditions include mental health disorders, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and severe neurological or muscle disorders. If you live in Summerlin and are struggling with symptoms that limit your ability to work, our firm can evaluate your records and explain what the SSA looks for. Your Summerlin Social Security disability attorney at Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers could help.
Earning Work Credits Through Prior Employment
In addition to proving your medical eligibility, you also need to show that you have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. Most people need to have worked five of the last ten years, but the exact number of credits depends on your age.
If you have not worked recently, you may still qualify through Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need rather than work history.
Our firm will review your Social Security earnings statement to calculate how many credits you have earned. If your record has gaps or if something was reported incorrectly, we can help identify the issue. Sometimes a small correction can make the difference between getting approved and being denied. No matter where you are in the process, we will make sure your application meets the SSA’s requirements.
Comparing SSDI and SSI Benefit Programs
Two different programs provide Social Security disability benefits in Summerlin, and it is important to know which one applies to your situation.
The main difference between SSDI and SSI comes down to how they are funded and what they are based on. Our firm will help you identify which program you may qualify for and what steps are required for each.
SSDI Based on Work History and Disability Status
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked in the past and paid into the system through their earnings. To qualify, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, and you must also have earned enough work credits. The number of credits you need depends on your age at the time you became disabled.
Our firm can review your earnings record and confirm whether your work history meets the criteria under 20 CFR § 404.315. If there are any errors in your file or if the SSA overlooked something important, we can help you correct that. We have handled many SSDI cases for Summerlin residents who thought they would not qualify. We will take the time to explain how the rules apply to your situation.
SSI Based on Financial Need and Medical Limitations
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed for people with limited income and resources. This program does not require any prior work history. To qualify, you still need to meet the SSA’s definition of disability, but the focus is on your current financial situation. If your income and assets are below certain limits, and you are unable to work, you may qualify for monthly benefits.
We will go over your income, living situation, and other eligibility factors to see if SSI is an option for you. Sometimes people who do not qualify for SSDI are still eligible for SSI, and we can help you apply under 20 CFR § 416.202.
These rules can be confusing when you are already dealing with a serious health condition. Our firm will take care of the details and make sure your paperwork is complete.
Wondering if you meet the SSDI requirements?
Steps in the Disability Application and Appeals Process
Most people are surprised that the Social Security Administration denies a large percentage of applications. That denial simply means the SSA needs more information or did not agree with what was submitted.
You have the right to appeal, and our firm can help you apply for SSD benefits in Summerlin at any stage of the process. Some of the steps in the process include:
- Gathering medical and personal documentation
- Deciding whether to apply for SSDI or SSI
- Submitting the initial application online or at a local office
- Attending a consultative exam if requested by the SSA
- Receiving a written approval or denial
- Filing for reconsideration
- Requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge
We can step in no matter where you are in the process. We know how the SSA reviews claims and what they expect to see. The costs of catastrophic injuries can quickly grow while you are waiting for a decision, and any delay in your paperwork could make it worse.
Under 20 CFR § 404.909, you have the right to request a reconsideration, and 20 CFR § 404.933 explains how to request a hearing if it is denied.
You Can Speak With a Social Security Disability Attorney in Summerlin Today
If you need help applying for benefits or appealing a denial, our firm is here to guide you. You can speak directly with your Social Security disability lawyer in Summerlin with Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers to get answers that apply to your specific situation.
When the time is right, contact us to get started.
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