You are not automatically eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits even if you are disabled and unable to work. You must meet strict requirements to qualify.
Our SSDI attorneys could assess your eligibility and oversee your initial application or appeals for disability benefits, increasing your chance of approval. A Michigan SSDI eligibility lawyer from Thurswell Law could help you understand your rights and represent you through the legal process.
When Are You Eligible for SSDI Benefits?
You may be eligible for SSDI benefits if you have a medical condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful work and is expected to last at least 12 months or could result in death. SSDI is based on your work history and contributions to Social Security through payroll taxes, meaning you must have earned enough work credits to qualify. The number of required work credits depends on your age at the time you become disabled.
SSDI eligibility requires that your medical condition meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) definition of disability. This definition is strict and focuses on your ability to perform any type of work, not just your previous job. Eligible medical conditions can be physical, such as musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiovascular disorders, or mental, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, as long as they significantly limit your functional capacity.
The SSA often denies initial SSDI applications. Therefore, thorough medical documentation and legal guidance from our Michigan disability benefits attorneys are essential to demonstrating eligibility.
Difficulties Qualifying for SSDI Benefits
The SSA interprets the law strictly when you apply for SSDI benefits and only approves about 20 percent of initial applications. As a result, you may have difficulties having your initial application approved. The high SSDI denial rate makes it critical that you get help from one of our Michigan lawyers when you first file your claim to give you the best possible chance of qualifying for benefits. Our lawyers could gather the medical evidence you need for approval and present it to the SSA in the most compelling way.
The rate of successful claims increases if you fight denials through the appeals process. If the SSA does not grant your request for reconsideration, you are entitled to a hearing in front of an impartial administrative law judge. Our attorneys from Thurswell Law could ensure you receive multiple levels of review if the SSA denies your initial SSDI claim.
Your Eligibility Is Subject to Continuing Verification
If you obtain SSDI approval, your eligibility is not permanent and is subject to ongoing verification by the SSA. The SSA regularly reviews cases to ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet the medical and non-medical requirements for disability benefits. This process is called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).
During a CDR, the SSA examines whether your medical condition has improved, worsened, or remained the same and whether you are still unable to engage in substantial gainful work. The review may include updated medical records, functional assessments, or even a consultative examination by an SSA-approved physician.
Failure to respond to a CDR request or providing insufficient documentation can result in a reduction or termination of benefits. Because these reviews can be complicated, it is critical to maintain thorough records of your medical treatment and consult our Michigan SSDI attorneys if the SSA challenges whether you are eligible to receive benefits. We could help ensure you continue to receive the compensation you rely on.
Contact Our Michigan Attorneys for Help Determining Your Disability Benefits Eligibility
If you are seeking SSDI benefits, managing the application process requires careful attention to detail and precision. At Thurswell Law, our experience could help you obtain the results you need. Our Michigan SSDI eligibility lawyer could properly prepare your claim, ensure the medical evidence supports it, and file it correctly. We could guide you through the legal process, from the initial application to any appeals, increasing your chances of approval. Contact Thurswell Law today for a free consultation and receive the skilled guidance you need to build a strong case for SSDI benefits.
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