Suffering from an injury or illness that prevents you from working may qualify you to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to supplement lost income. Eligibility for SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) depends on factors such as age, contributions to the Social Security system, education level, and work history.
If a medical condition causes total disability that affects your ability to be employed, consulting a Southfield SSDI eligibility lawyer who is knowledgeable about navigating the Social Security system could help you receive the benefits you deserve. At Thurswell Law, our attorneys are experienced in the SSDI/SSI process, and experience gets results when attempting to obtain maximum Social Security benefits.
Who Is Eligible To Receive SSDI?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), an individual must have previously worked in jobs where they contributed to Social Security and have a medical condition that meets the definition of a disability. The agency applies a strict definition of disability that excludes benefits for conditions that are partial or temporary. An applicant is considered disabled under the SSA’s definition if they cannot perform work at a level that supports financial self-sufficiency; cannot perform their previous job functions or work in other occupations due to the medical condition; and if the medical condition is severe enough to persist for at least 12 consecutive months or result in death.
SSA uses a five-step process to determine if an individual has a qualifying disability:
- Is the applicant working and earning more than $1,620 ($2,700 if they are blind)?
- Is the applicant’s condition considered severe, i.e., does it significantly limit their ability to perform basic functions at work?
- Is the condition listed in the SSA’s database of disabling conditions?
- Is the applicant able to perform work that they previously performed?
- Can the applicant do any other type of work despite their disability?
If the agency determines that the disability is severe enough to prevent the applicant from working and the condition is on the Listing of Impairments from the SSA, that individual will be granted SSDI benefits. Guidance from our disability benefits lawyers in Southfield could be instrumental in determining whether you are eligible for SSDI.
How To Proceed if an Initial SSDI Claim Is Denied
The State Disability Determination Services is the agency that reviews a claimant’s application and medical records to make the initial determination on whether that individual is eligible for SSDI. Unfortunately, the agency denies many claims upon the first review due to insufficient medical evidence proving disability; in that case, a claimant has the right to utilize a series of appeals.
The first level of appeal is called a reconsideration, where a claimant can request that the SSA review their claim and original application again within 60 days of the initial decision. If that method is unsuccessful, the claimant has the right to a hearing in front of an administrative law judge within 60 days of receipt of reconsideration. If the judge renders an unfavorable decision, the third option is to request a review of the judge’s verdict with the Appeals Council within 60 days of the hearing decision. Lastly, a claimant has 60 days after hearing from the Appeals Council to file a civil lawsuit with the closest federal district court.
Choosing a law firm with attorneys experienced in disability benefits could help you through the appeals process effectively. Thurswell Law’s Southfield-based SSDI eligibility claims attorneys could guide you through this complex process.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Thurswell Law’s SSDI Eligibility Attorneys in Southfield
Applying for SSDI benefits can be a confusing process and often involves multiple levels of appeals. If you have a disability that prevents you from working and earning an income, consider hiring a Southfield SSDI eligibility lawyer to assist you in gathering the information you need to apply for benefits.
We are available to help, and you do not need to navigate this alone. At Thurswell Law, our attorneys could explain your rights and assess whether you have a case. A conversation with our top SSDI attorneys could increase your chances of receiving the Social Security benefits you deserve. Reach out today for a consultation.
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