Do you have a physical or mental health condition that prevents you from working? You could be entitled to financial disability benefits through the Social Security system.
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits is challenging, but an experienced SSD attorney from Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can guide you through the process and appeal an initially denied application if necessary.
Contact us now for a free case review to learn how our Social Security disability law firm can help you pursue the financial assistance you need and that you may be entitled to under the law.
How to Qualify for Social Security Disability
A person may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability.
Under Social Security regulations, a person has a disability if they have a medically diagnosed physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGI). The person’s impairment also must have lasted or will likely last for at least 12 continuous months or will likely result in the person’s death.
The SSA defines “substantial gainful activity” as performing work that requires significant physical or mental effort and earns more than a minimum monthly income threshold.
An individual with a qualifying disability must also meet the program’s specific eligibility requirements to receive benefits. The SSA has two programs: SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Eligibility for SSDI benefits depends on a person’s work history. An applicant must have worked enough during their life and must also have sufficient recent work history before the onset of their disability to qualify. The SSA uses work credits to measure a person’s work history. An individual receives a work credit when they earn a specific amount of taxable income in a year, up to a maximum of four credits per year.
SSI eligibility focuses on a person’s financial circumstances. An applicant must own countable assets and earn monthly income below specific thresholds to qualify for SSI.
Supporting Documentation to Have for Your SSD Claim
A Social Security disability benefits claim requires an applicant to submit supporting medical records documenting their condition and the limitations it causes. Examples of medical records that a person may need for an SSD claim include:
- Provider notes and treatment records
- Diagnostic scans and lab results
- Exam results
- Medication records
- Narrative letters from treating providers
For an SSDI benefits application, an individual may also require documentation for their work history to demonstrate that they have sufficient work credits and recent work history, based on their age at the onset of their disability, to qualify for SSDI.
An applicant for SSI benefits must submit comprehensive financial documentation of their assets and income to demonstrate eligibility.
The Importance of Compliance with SSD Filing Requirements
The Social Security Administration has specific rules and requirements for SSD applications. Failing to follow these requirements, such as leaving application fields blank or not submitting supporting documentation, could lead to delays in claim processing or denial of a disability claim. Our SSD attorneys help applicants meet filing requirements and avoid errors that could jeopardize their claim.
What You Get with Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer’s Louisville SSD Lawyers
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our Louisville Social Security disability attorneys can assist you with all aspects of applying for disability benefits and appealing denied claims.
We founded our firm to help people in Kentucky who need an experienced lawyer to fight for their interests. Our attorneys provide each client with personalized attention and dedicated support through the difficult Social Security disability application process. Our team has recovered over $400 million for clients. Although our past results do not guarantee future success, our record shows our determination to advocate for our clients with Kentucky Courage.
As one of our past clients wrote about her experience with our firm:
“I can’t thank them enough for their guidance and experience with getting my disability. Very friendly and down to earth staff. Overall very knowledgeable and helpful in my process. I couldn’t have done it without them.” – Lenita M.
Additional Articles
Further resources that can help you better understand Social Security disability benefits programs:
Is It Harder to Get SSI or SSDI?
Kentucky Social Security Disability Timeline
Lawyer for Social Security Disability Appeal in Kentucky
How To Apply for Disability Benefits in Kentucky?
Differences Between SSDI and SSI
Disability Benefits for Disabled Adult Children
SSD Compassionate Allowance and Benefits in Kentucky
Contact Us for More Support with Your SSD Case
The Social Security disability application process can seem daunting and confusing. Get the legal advice and support you need from Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer to make applying for Social Security disability less stressful.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Louisville Social Security disability lawyer to learn more about the Social Security disability benefits system. We are ready to discuss how our firm can guide you through the application process and help you seek the financial support you need when you have a devastating condition that leaves you unable to work.
FAQs
What Disability Benefits Am I Eligible For?
The Social Security disability benefits that you qualify for may depend on which program you apply to. SSDI provides disability benefits to individuals with a qualifying work history who suffer an injury or develop a condition that disables them and prevents them from continuing to work regardless of their other financial circumstances. SSI is a means-tested program that offers financial assistance to low-resource individuals with a qualifying disability regardless of their work history.
What Benefit Does Hiring a Louisville SSD Attorney Add to My Case?
An SSD lawyer from Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can improve your chances of getting approved for disability benefits by assembling a medical record that persuasively documents your disability and the limitations it causes you. Our lawyers can respond to requests for additional information and prepare clients for exams. A lawyer from our firm can also represent an applicant who must appeal the denial of their claim to an administrative law judge, the SSA’s Appeals Council, or a federal court.
What Are the Costs Associated with Hiring an SSD Attorney?
Social Security laws and regulations restrict what SSD attorneys can charge clients for handling Social Security disability claims. In most cases, an SSD attorney will receive 25 percent of the total back pay award an applicant receives, up to a maximum of $9,200. However, if an applicant pursues their disability claim with the Appeals Council or in federal court, their attorney may petition the court for a higher fee award.