If you live in Somerset and are struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, you are not alone. Many hardworking people in Pulaski County and surrounding areas are unable to work due to illness, injury, or chronic medical conditions.
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can offer financial relief, but successfully receiving disability benefits often requires the help of an experienced Social Security attorney.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our Somerset SSD attorneys have the Kentucky Courage it takes to stand up for you and fight for the benefits you have earned. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation with a Kentucky Social Security disability attorney at our law firm.
How Could Having an SSD Attorney Benefit You?
The process of securing SSD benefits is complicated and often challenging. The claims process involves medical records, strict eligibility criteria, and hard deadlines. Working with an experienced SSD lawyer in Kentucky could make the difference between having your application approved and having it denied.
Our SSD attorneys know the Somerset area, and we understand the work local residents have done and the challenges they are facing due to disabilities that prevent them from earning a living now. We know what it takes to get the benefits you deserve, and we are ready to put our experience and knowledge to work for you.
Our Somerset SSD attorneys stand ready to work with you to build a strong, personalized claim based on your medical condition, financial situation, and work history. Whether you are applying for the first time or appealing a denial, having a skilled Social Security attorney by your side can be tremendously beneficial.
Types of SSD Benefits for People with Disabilities in Somerset
There are two main types of SSD benefits available to Somerset residents: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although both programs are forms of Social Security, they have different requirements and offer various forms of support.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system over a significant period. SSDI benefits are based on your past earnings and work credits. If your application is approved, you will receive monthly SSDI payments, and after two years, you may be eligible for Medicare.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program that helps individuals with disabilities with limited resources regardless of their work history. SSI benefits are particularly important for individuals who have not worked long enough to qualify for SSDI or have never been able to work full-time due to a disability. SSI benefits can be essential for paying for food, rent, and other basic needs.
Examples of Conditions That Could Qualify for SSD Benefits
Many types of disabilities qualify for SSD benefits, provided they prevent full-time work for at least 12 months or they are expected to end in death. A few examples of common qualifying conditions include:
- Back and spine disorders
- Heart disease and circulatory issues
- Autoimmune disorders
- Diabetes with complications
- Neurological conditions
- Chronic pain or fatigue syndromes
- Mental health conditions
- Cancer
It is important to note that your condition must impact your ability to work, and thorough documentation is crucial. Our Somerset SSD attorneys can obtain that documentation and build a strong case for your application’s approval.
What You Need to Know About Applying for Disability Benefits
Applying for SSDI and SSI benefits can be time-consuming, stressful, and confusing. Here are some key things about the application process to keep in mind:
You Must Have a Qualifying Disability
Whatever your disability may be, it must be severe enough to prevent you from doing basic work-related activities for at least 12 months. Simply having a diagnosis is not enough. You must clearly show how your condition limits your ability to work.
Your Documentation Must Be Complete and Accurate
Showing your disability and proving its impact on your earning capacity requires:
- Detailed medical records
- Lab results and diagnostic images
- Doctor’s notes and treatment history
- Work history and earnings records
You may also need to attend evaluations by Social Security Administration-contracted doctors to assess your condition and provide further proof that you qualify for benefits.
Be Prepared for Long Wait Times
Anticipate waiting for a few months to get a decision from the Social Security Administration, and prepare for the possibility of having to appeal a denial. In fact, most initial applications are denied at first due to incomplete paperwork or missing medical evidence. That is why it is critical to work with a skilled Somerset disability lawyer when seeking benefits.
Our Somerset SSD Attorneys Can Help with Appeals
Do not be discouraged if your SSD application is denied at first. Most approvals occur during the appeals process. Our SSD attorneys know how to challenge denials and fight for the benefits you deserve through the appeals process. We can investigate the reasoning behind the denial, gather any missing documentation, and represent you during hearings.
We have extensive experience representing people in Somerset during the SSD appeals process. Whatever the issue was with your initial application — whether it is a technicality, missing evidence, a question of law, or a misinterpretation — we know how to gather and present new evidence and build a compelling case for your approval.
How Do I Find the Right Social Security Attorney in Somerset for Me?
You need a trusted SSD lawyer in Kentucky with deep experience and a strong track record. Look for an SSD attorney who:
- Focuses on SSD claims – Handling Social Security disability claims is a complicated and involved legal practice. If the attorney does not have extensive experience with SSD claims, you might not be giving yourself the chance you deserve at having your claim approved.
- Offers free consultations – You should not have to suffer further financial distress to learn whether you have a valid claim to SSD benefits. Choose a law firm like Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer that will review your case free of charge and not charge attorney’s fees unless you recover benefits.
- Has local insight – You need a Social Security attorney who is connected to your community, knows the kind of work local people do, and understands how disabilities impact those jobs. Such insight allows your attorney to build a compelling case that tells your story and shows the real financial impact of your disability.
Contact an SSD Lawyer in Kentucky Today
Fighting for Social Security disability benefits can be challenging, but there is help available. The experienced Somerset SSD attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer want to be your fiercest advocates as you seek the financial stability you deserve.
Contact us today for your free consultation with our Somerset SSD attorneys.