Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is one of the most important financial resources for people whose disability prevents them from working - yet it is one of the most difficult benefits to obtain. Most applicants are turned down the first time they apply for Social Security Disability, and many simply give up. However, if you work with an experienced attorney familiar with the approval process, your chances for a successful claim greatly improve.
If your Social Security Disability claim has been rejected, please contact Gordon & Doner, P.A., online or call us toll free at 1-888-ForTheInjured (1-888-367-8434) for a free, confidential consultation.
There are four primary types of Social Security claims:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial benefits to people who have previously worked five out of the last 10 years but have become disabled to such an extent they can no longer work.
- Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits provides financial benefits to widows or widowers who have become disabled within a certain amount of time after the death of their spouse. These benefits, like SSDI, require that the recipient has worked in the past and contributed to the Social Security program.
- Disabled Adult Child Benefits provide financial support to children who become disabled before the age of 22, and whose parents are either deceased or receiving retirement or Social Security Disability payments.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different than the first three types; instead of taking into account past work contributions to the Social Security system, SSI looks at the income of the claimant. SSI is available for both disabled children and adults, although the requirements are different for each group.
In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability, you must meet several criteria:
- You must be unemployed at the time of filing.
- You must meet the definition of "severe impairment" as defined by the Social Security Administration.
- You must have an impairment lasting at least 12 months or longer, or an impairment which is terminal.
- You have to be unable to work at your former job.
- You must be unable to perform other available work.
You should know that even people who very easily meet these criteria can have their claims rejected. If your claim is turned down, you can request what is known as "reconsideration" - which means your claim will be reviewed again. You are not required to have legal assistance during the appeals process, but consulting with an attorney can make the difference between an approval and further denials.
With more than 20 years of legal experience, Gordon & Doner has developed a thorough understanding of the Social Security Administration's procedures. We know what the claim reviewers look for - and we know how to effectively prepare documentation to ensure a successful outcome for our clients.
The initial approval process can take three to six months. We advise all of our clients to organize the necessary paperwork before applying for benefits. You will need the following information to support your claim:
- Original or certified copy of your birth certificate
- Social Security numbers of all persons applying for benefits (including spouse and/or children)
- Dates of any prior marriages if your spouse is applying for benefits
- Proof of earnings for the past 12 months, if you previously were able to work and have recently become disabled (proof of earnings can be a copy of your W-2, federal tax return, pay stub or a statement from your employer)
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals or clinics that have treated you
- Medical records and dates of treatment from your doctors, hospitals or clinics
- List of all the medications you are currently taking
After you have supplied all the pertinent documents and applied directly to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will either receive an approval or rejection. If your claim is rejected, the Social Security Disability lawyers at Gordon & Doner can help you. Here's how:
- We'll make sure your disability is described using the wording most commonly recognized by the SSA.
- We'll review all statements included in your application - removing any that are counterproductive to your claim.
- We'll review your forms to ensure all paperwork is properly completed.
- We'll review and discuss your medical treatment to ensure your care is consistent with your claim.
Living with a disability is already challenging enough. You shouldn't
have to spend months of your time fighting with the Social Security
Administration over benefits that you need to live a normal life. The
lawyers at Gordon & Doner believe you have a right to financial
assistance when a disability prevents you from working.
If your Social Security Disability claim has been rejected, please
complete our online contact form or call us
toll free at 1-888-ForTheInjured (1-888-367-8434) for a free,
no-obligation and confidential consultation.
For more information, please see the following related page on our website: Social Security Disability FAQs
