Social Security Disability

Any job requires some type of physical and mental endurance. That could be anything from lifting and moving heavy boxes all day or it could be sitting at a desk dealing with stressful issues and decisions. What happens when you cannot do this anymore because you are in so much pain that just even sitting at a desk for 8 hours is impossible? You cannot work and have no income. How are you supposed to survive? This is where Social Security Disability Benefits come in. When you can no longer work, Social Security Disability benefits are there to help you survive financially, but that does not mean they will come easily.

Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits is not simple. As of 2010, only 36 percent of initial claims are approved. There are many different reasons your case can be denied. It could be for lacking medical proof of your disability, it could be for failing to follow your doctor's recommended treatment, it could be for lacking to provide proper paperwork or many other possible reasons. The Social Security Disability application process is technical and can be difficult for people to understand. Many times, even the denial letter is confusing on why you were denied.

Luckily, we are here to help. The Pedersen Law Office has the knowledge of how the Social Security Disability process works. We can help determine why you were denied, help file the appeal papers, and help prove your disability case. If we take your case, we require no upfront fees. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability Insurance is a program that makes payments to disabled workers who have contributed to the program by making payments into social security through working in the past. The program may also pay to dependents of workers that contributed to Social Security in the past. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) you must have contributed to Social Security for a certain amount of time. The amount of time is based on your age.

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Supplemental Security Income is a program that makes payments to disabled adults and children that have limited income and assets. If you have two much income or too many assets, you do not qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) even if you are disabled. The asset limit is very low. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is usually applied for by disabled people that do not have enough work history to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

How do you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

You can apply for disability benefits in three different ways. You can apply in person at your local field office. To find your local field office, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also apply by phone by calling the same number. Lastly, you can apply online at SSA.gov. You can also find your local field office at SSA.gov.

How is Disabled defined by the Social Security office?

For an adult, disabled means you are unable to work at any job that will give you reasonable income because of physical or mental impairment. Reasonable income as of 2020 is $1,260 per month. The impairment must last for 12 months or longer.

For a child, disabled means you have a physical or mental impairment that causes severe limitations. The limitations must last 12 months or longer.

Should I hire an attorney for my Social Security Disability case?

Most applicants do not use an attorney for their original application for Social Security Disability. The process is not that complicated, and the Social Security office can help you with the process. If you are denied benefits, then you may want to get an attorney involved. You are required to appeal the initial denial within 60 days of the denial letter. The process now becomes more complicated and an attorney can be helpful. Most Social Security Disability attorneys do not require a retainer fee. Instead, they are paid a portion of any back pay you receive when you are determined to be disabled.


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