Social Security disability payments can be a godsend when you find yourself unable to work due to accident, illness or injury. However, the federal government makes it difficult for even the sickest workers to get the benefits that they deserve from a system that they’ve paid into for their entire working lives. Nearly everyone who applies for Social Security benefits is turned down numerous times prior to being approved. And those who apply without representation stand an even lesser chance of being approved for benefits. Russell and Hill has a history of helping disabled workers just like you apply for and receive the benefits that they are entitled to under law. Contact our Social Security disability attorney as soon as possible during the claims process to get the expert help you need in filing your claim.
U.S. citizens are entitled to receive Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) when a physical or mental impairment prevents them from being capable of performing a substantial amount of work. The injury or illness must be expected to last at least 12 months, or even possibly result in death. For Social Security, substantial gainful activity involves making at least $1,180 per month before taxes, or $1,970 per month for blind individuals as of 2018.
Eligibility for Social Security Disability depends on the severity of the impairment. You must prove your limitations are severe enough that they prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity. Social Security will often check first to see if you’re capable of doing your previous job, or any past jobs you may have had in the past 15 years, or whether you’re capable of doing other work.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have paid FICA taxes to the Social Security Administration for at least five to ten years, with at least five of those years occurring within the last decade.
Many people assume that because they can file on their own, they should file on their own. This may be a foolhardy decision that can serve to delay your claim.It can be difficult to get approved for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, even when you do meet their definition of disability. Most people are denied the first time they apply, and have to appeal the decision, sometimes multiple times before finally getting approved. An experienced Social Security attorney can help make this process more smooth as well as shorten the process for you.
You’ve worked your entire life and now you’re not able to work. You have paid into a system that promised to be there for you, but the government makes you jump through a bevy of hoops to qualify for your benefits. We can help, even if you have already filed and been turned down one or more times. Contact our Kirkland Social Security disability attorney now to discuss your particular situation and arrange a no-cost consultation with our disability legal team.
