Lawyers specializing in disability law are essential in helping clients navigate the very complicated application procedures, making sure that all supporting documentation and proof are carefully prepared and presented. They are capable of convincingly arguing on behalf of their clients that they meet the strict requirements set forth by government bodies.

Disabled people may claim their benefits, but they do not know what process they will start. Thus, knowing the benefits claim process may be beneficial when hiring a disability lawyer. Disability Law Group official website will help you understand and provide the best disability lawyer to process your benefits claims. In this article, we will talk about the process of applying for disability benefits. 

Understand the programs

Available to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes (FICA) for a specific number of years is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). It’s necessary that you have accrued enough work credits—usually 20 credits during the previous ten years. A needs-based program for those with low incomes and resources, such as those who have never worked or made Social Security contributions, is called Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Check the basic criteria 

Regarding SSDI:

You have to be unable to engage in meaningful gainful activity (SGA). The SGA cap for 2024 is $2,460 for blind people and $1,470 for non-blind people per month. You have to have a serious illness that is either anticipated to kill you or takes at least a year to heal.

Regarding SSI:

You have to make less money than a specified amount, usually the federal benefit rate, which will be $1,371 for couples in 2024 and $914 for individuals per month. Your financial resources must be modest—less than $2,000 for single people and $3,000 for couples.

Gather the necessary information

By applying for a disability benefit claim, lawyers should collect personal information to fill out the form. Then, acknowledge the work history of the client over the past 15 years of employment. And clients will fill out forms and make copies of their employment records. Also, medical information is needed to complete the application, which entails their medical record about their disability and the cost of the medication. 

Complete Application 

Online Request Form:

If you haven’t already, register for an account on the SSA website (www.ssa.gov). To begin your SSDI or SSI application, use the online application gateway. To fill out the forms, simply follow the instructions, making sure to accurately input all necessary information.

Application in Person or over the Phone:  

Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to arrange a time for a phone or in-person application. Collect all the required paperwork and bring it with you to your appointment.

Application Review Process

After reviewing your application, the SSA will make sure you fulfill the minimum eligibility requirements and have included all the necessary information. Should any details be lacking, the SSA might get in touch with you to ask for more proof. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) in your state will receive your case. The DDS will check your condition against SSA standards and request your medical records from the doctors you choose. If more information is required, you might have to go to a consultative examination (CE) with a physician selected by the DDS.

Conclusion

The process of claiming disability benefits is laborious and frequently difficult; it calls for careful planning as well as a deep comprehension of the requirements for eligibility and the application process. Through methodical collection of relevant data, precise completion of application forms, and adept navigation of the review and appeals procedures, individuals can enhance their prospects of obtaining the benefits they require.