How to Get Social Security Disability Benefits

Individuals who have suffered injury or illness typically worry about how they will recover from both their physical and financial injuries.  The reality is that many Ohioans must rely on social security disability benefits because they accidents render them disabled.

Planning for your future means uncovering all of the resources available to help you live a life that is financially secure.  If a personal injury accident caused your disability, this may mean filing a civil suit for compensation.  But in all cases of disability, regardless of cause, individuals in Ohio may be entitled to receive social security disability benefits.

How Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

The Social Security Administration is responsible for the process for awarding social security disability benefits.  As a federal administrative agency, the SSA requires that individuals do certain steps or meet certain requirements before disability benefits will be awarded.

Social Security Disability Benefits Application

The first step in getting disability benefits is to submit an application to the SSA.  Disability benefits to not suddenly “kick in” when an individual is injured or falls ill.  It is up to you to apply for yourself or on behalf of a loved one.

When dealing with a complex system like Social Security, it is wise to consult an experienced attorney at the earliest stage possible.  While you are free to submit your application on your own, there are many advantages to having a social security attorney advising you from the outset.  Read more about how an attorney can help you here.

Length of Work

Social Security disability benefits are not available for everyone.  Benefits are only distributed to those who, along with meeting other criteria, worked for a sufficient length of time in a job (or jobs) covered by Social Security.

The system for establishing eligibility under Social Security uses “work credits”—a sort of point system that allows individuals to accumulate credits over time.  A person can earn up to four credits each year.  While the number of credits needed to qualify for disability benefits can vary, a person typically needs 40 credits total, and half of those credits must have been earned within the 10 calendar years prior to the person becoming disabled.

Having read this, if you feel like the work credit system is confusing, you are not alone.  Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your eligibility.

Disability

Social Security disability benefits are available for individuals rendered totally disabled.  The SSA follows a set process for determining which applicants with sufficient work credits are disabled under the federal guidelines.  Among the considerations are:

• Are you working?
• Is your condition severe?
• Is your condition one of many conditions predetermined to be disabling?
• Can you do the work you previously did?
• Can you do another type of work?

Extensive medical documentation may be required to establish that an individual is entitled to disability benefits.  Having a disability attorney prior to applying or, at the very least, at the hearing for denied or delayed applications can smooth the application process and help a person with a disability obtain the support they need.

Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA | Cleveland Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyers

Whether you are considering applying or have already applied, the right disability benefits attorney can help you protect your future.  Contact the law firm of Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA now.