Definitely. Your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits remains unaffected by any other benefits you might be receiving. If you’re disabled, you could also qualify for Workers’ Compensation, Long-term Disability, or another disability pension, State Employees Disability, No-Fault and company or union pensions, private disability insurance payments, among others. However, navigating the complexities and potential overlaps among these various benefits can be intricate and bewildering, as some may reduce the overall amount of your Social Security Disability benefits.

A critical aspect of our role is to explore with you all potential benefits you’re eligible for and to formulate a strategy to optimize each of these benefits and awards. This will form a significant part of our conversation when you visit our office for a consultation.

Although we suggest working with a seasoned attorney with knowledge in social security disability, in short – No. Claimants have the option to apply independently. However, it’s important to be aware that government statistics indicate claimants with representation have a much higher success rate than those without. Having an experienced attorney on your side can greatly improve your chances of success.

It’s usually more advantageous to appeal a denial rather than to start a new application, as a higher proportion of claims are successfully awarded at the hearing level compared to any other stage.

There are four key stages in the process. The first stage is the Initial Application, after which you have 60 days to appeal if your application is denied—a common outcome for many applicants. The next stage is Reconsideration, where, following a decision, you again have 60 days to lodge an appeal. The third and most crucial stage is the Hearing stage, where you appear before an Administrative Law Judge. Should your claim be denied at this stage, you are granted another 60 days to appeal to the Appeals Council.

Yes, mental illness qualifies as a medical condition, and we have successfully assisted numerous clients in securing disability benefits based on mental health issues. It’s also crucial to recognize that even if your application for disability benefits is primarily due to a physical ailment, including any psychological impairments or conditions could enhance your claim and is advisable.

The furthest back retroactive benefits can extend is 12 months before the month in which the initial application was submitted, provided the government determines your disability began on or before that date. For instance, if you submitted your application in April 2011 and the government determined you have been disabled since 2004, your benefits would retroactively apply from April 2010 onwards. It’s important to note, however, that benefits are not issued for the first four to five months following the onset of your disability.

Retroactive benefits from the Social Security Administration can begin from your Month of Entitlement. This is calculated as either one year before the date you applied for benefits or six months following the onset of your disability, depending on which is nearer to your application date. The retroactive period spans from your Month of Entitlement to the moment the Social Security Administration informs you about their decision regarding your disability status.

It’s important to apply for benefits immediately after you become disabled and stop working. Delaying your application is not advisable, as any retroactive benefits are limited to one year prior to your application date. There’s no requirement to postpone until the resolution of other related claims, like Workers’ Compensation or personal injury lawsuits, nor should you wait until your financial resources are depleted. Processing your claim may take several months or even years, and your eligibility for SSD benefits is determined by your medical condition, not by your financial situation or needs.

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a program based on financial need, aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities who have very low income and few assets. The Social Security Administration evaluates eligibility for SSI by reviewing your financial situation, including any income and assets you have, as well as those of your spouse and other household members. This program often benefits those who have limited work history due to their disability, such as stay-at-home parents or young individuals who became disabled before having the opportunity to work significantly.

If we assist you in applying for SSI, we’ll also ensure that any support or loans you’re receiving from family are accurately represented. This is crucial because Social Security may attempt to decrease your SSI payments to “offset” the cost of living support provided by family members.

You might still qualify for benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This program is designed for those who are disabled, unable to work, and possess limited financial resources.

You might qualify if you’re unable to continue your previous employment because of a medical condition or a combination of conditions that has persisted or is anticipated to persist for at least twelve months. This implies that your condition is chronic rather than temporary. Your disabling condition(s) can arise from any cause, including injuries sustained either in or out of the workplace, congenital conditions, or diseases that are acquired or inherited. Social Security might classify you as disabled due to a physical, mental impairment, or a mix of both.

Moreover, you are required to have been employed for five out of the ten years before you ceased working.

Dependents of a disabled worker, such as a spouse and minor children, may also be eligible for benefits. Similarly, a disabled widow or widower could be entitled to benefits based on their spouse’s record, irrespective of their own work history.

Social Security Disability, known as SSD, SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), or DIB (Disability Insurance Benefits), is a program that provides benefits to workers who are disabled and their families through the Social Security Administration. Similar to how individuals start receiving Social Security Retirement benefits upon retirement, those who are unable to work due to a disability before reaching their full retirement age can apply for Social Security Disability benefits.