By: Capital Injury Law
What Insurance Do You Get with Social Security Disability?
The idea of insurance is to pay for a financial safety net so that if something goes wrong, you’ll have compensation or income. The hope is that you won’t ever need that insurance, but if you ever do, the small amount you paid will be a worthwhile investment. Social Security Disability Insurance works similarly. If a medical condition prevents you from earning sufficient income for months or years, disability benefits can replace or supplement your income.
Understanding Social Security Disability is essential for navigating the system and securing your benefits, and Talbot & Kesling at Capital Injury Law is dedicated to helping you make a successful disability claim. Let’s delve into what Social Security Disability is, how it works, and how we can help.
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What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Like health insurance or car insurance, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a safety net. It’s a federal program that’s funded by payroll taxes. SSDI provides financial assistance to individuals who can’t work due to a disability.
While SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is allotted based on financial need, SSDI is specifically meant for those who have contributed to Social Security taxes, so it’s based on your work history. To get SSDI benefits, the first steps are to determine your eligibility and then submit an application.
SSDI Eligibility
There are two primary eligibility requirements for SSDI: a disability and sufficient work credit. Many medical conditions can qualify for disability benefits, depending on their severity. Generally, a disability must prevent you from substantial gainful activity (SGA) and must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Work credit is something you accumulate by working and earning a certain amount each year. You typically must have worked for several years to be eligible for SSDI, since the benefits are funded by payroll taxes.
SSDI Application Process
The application process for SSDI is notoriously difficult. You must provide extensive information and documentation, supporting your disability claim with medical records and statements. There are strict requirements and deadlines. Most SSDI claims are initially denied, though more people succeed during an appeal.
What Benefits Can You Get with SSDI?
If your application is approved, what benefits will you receive? SSDI benefits are determined by your lifetime earnings, not the severity of your disability or financial need. The longer you have worked and the more you have earned, therefore paying more taxes, the higher your benefits may be.
The maximum monthly payment for SSDI is $3,822 in 2024. However, most people receive less than half this amount. You will also be enrolled in Medicare after two years of SSDI.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability
You can apply online, over the phone, or at a nearby Social Security office. Though the steps seem simple, the extensive paperwork and requirements make SSDI applications long and tedious. You’ll need to supply detailed medical records, including reports, imaging, treatment plans, and statements from medical professionals.
After you submit your application, you may wait several months before receiving a decision letter. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision, in which case a different group of reviewers will reconsider your claim. These reconsideration reviews are often denied again, but you can then appeal a second time and have a hearing before an administrative law judge.
How Talbot & Kesling Can Help You Get SSDI Benefits
The unfortunate reality is that most SSDI applications are denied. But there are ways you can strengthen your case and improve your chances of success. Working with Social Security lawyers like Talbot & Kesling can make all the difference when fighting for the disability benefits you need and deserve.
SSDI attorneys have the expertise and comprehensive knowledge of the Social Security system to guide you through each step of the process and build a successful case. Here’s how Talbot & Kesling can help with your SSDI claim.
Application Guidance
Minor errors or omissions in an application often lead to denial of an otherwise valid claim. Our team will help you with all the paperwork, making sure no detail gets overlooked. This strengthens your case and takes much of the load off your shoulders so you can focus on your health.
Building a Stronger Case
As experienced SSDI lawyers, we know what the Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking for. We know what evidence is needed and how to present it. Our job is to fill every possible gap and make your SSDI claim as strong as possible. A stronger case can also help you procure better benefits.
Support Through an Appeal
Legal representation for an SSDI case is especially critical during the appeals process. Working with a Social Security lawyer significantly increases your chances of winning an appeal. We’ll help you navigate the process, preparing you for the hearing and bolstering your case.
Schedule a Consultation with Talbot & Kesling
If you’re living with a disability that prevents you from earning sufficient income, we know how vital disability benefits can be. That’s why we’re committed to helping individuals like you make successful SSDI claims and receive the best possible benefits.
Schedule a consultation with Talbot & Kesling today for expert guidance through your SSDI application or appeal. Together, we’ll claim the benefits you deserve to help you move forward.
