
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to those in Stonecrest who can no longer work. Unfortunately, many people slip through the cracks and struggle to get the help they deserve. If you are planning to apply or your application was denied, you have options.
Our Stonecrest Social Security Disability lawyers can help. We know what the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for to approve a claim. Our attorneys can ensure your application meets the requirements. If you were denied, we also know what it takes to appeal.
At John Foy & Associates, you don’t have to worry about cost to get started. You don’t pay us unless we win you benefits. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How You Qualify for Social Security Disability
To qualify for SSDI, you must meet two criteria:
- You must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security.
- You must have a disabling condition that prevents you from working for at least a year.
The SSA is stringent when evaluating applications. There are several stages that your application will go through before it can get approval. The administration can deny your claim at any point during the process, so you’ll need to build a robust application.
Let’s look more closely at each qualification you must meet.
Social Security-Covered Work
You earn SSDI benefits by working under jobs that pay Social Security taxes. The SSA looks at work credits to see if you meet the guidelines:
- Work credits depend on your yearly work wages or self-employed income.
- In 2020, one work credit equals $1,410 in wages. The credits you need for each quarter of coverage (QC) changes each year.
- You can earn up to four work credits per year.
Work credit requirements depend on the age at which you became disabled. Most adults need at least 40 work credits. You must have earned twenty of those credits in the last ten years before you became disabled.
Younger workers will need fewer work credits. If you’re not sure about your requirements, contact a Stonecrest SSDI lawyer.
Disabling Conditions
If you have earned enough work credits, the SSA will evaluate your condition. You must have a condition that the administration considers “disabling” and “severe.”
A severe condition will significantly limit your ability to do activities like:
- Standing
- Walking
- Lifting
- Sitting
- Remembering
You must be unable to work for at least 12 months. The SSA will consult their Listing of Impairments to see if you qualify. If your condition is not on that list, it might compare to a listed condition.
It can be challenging to know if you qualify for SSDI. It’s best to work with a Stonecrest Social Security Disability lawyer. Your attorney can help you build the strongest application possible.
Contact John Foy & Associates for help with your application. We’ll evaluate your needs during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
SSDI Only Covers Total Disabilities
Social Security does not cover partial disabilities. To qualify for benefits, you must have a total disability, meaning:
- You have been disabled for at least 12 months.
- You cannot do any work you did before.
- You cannot adjust to other types of work.
If you can earn any money, there’s a chance you will be denied benefits. You’ll need to show how much your condition prevents you from making a regular income.
What to Do if You’re Denied Benefits
After you apply for SSDI, the SSA will respond. Unfortunately, many applicants get a denial—even if they qualify. A rejection can leave you feeling hopeless about your situation. However, you have options.
Don’t give up if you get a denial. It does not mean that you have no chance of getting benefits. Many times, a denial happens because your claim did not include enough information.
The SSA will outline why they denied your claim. An SSDI lawyer can determine what you need to improve or change about your application. Then, they can help you appeal the denial for the best chance at approval.
How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help
If you need help with your SSDI claim, a lawyer can help in many ways. An attorney can make sure your claim is as strong as possible.
Our lawyers understand what the SSA is looking for to approve a claim. We can do the following:
- Gather medical records and other details about your condition
- Make sure your claim contains all essential details
- Review why your claim was denied (if applicable)
- Help you file an appeal and prepare for hearings
- Assist with any SSA interviews
Being unable to work can put a lot of strain on your life. If you need financial help, contact an experienced lawyer. You might qualify for SSDI benefits, even if you’ve already been denied.
We can guide you through each step of the process. If you need to take your claim to court, we’ll be there to fight for the benefits you deserve. Do not give up hope about your claim if you get a denial. A denial does not necessarily mean you don’t qualify.
Many people are denied benefits before contacting a lawyer. After speaking to an attorney, they improve their claim to show how their condition affects their life.
Talk to a Stonecrest Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
John Foy & Associates can help with your SSDI claim. We understand the qualification you must need to get approval. We’re also not afraid to stand firm for you during the appeal process.
We understand that many people worry about the cost of a lawyer. Our firm makes it as straightforward as possible:
- There is no charge to you unless we win you benefits.
- You don’t pay anything upfront so that you can start at no risk.
We get started today with a FREE consultation. Then, you don’t pay a thing unless we win your case.
To get your free case review, call (404) 400-4000 or fill out one of our online contact forms.