Hobart Social Security Disability Insurance Attorney

The big question on everyone’s mind: How much will I receive in Social Security Disability benefits?

The answer is that every case is different. What you receive may be very different from what your friends and relatives receive. The reason is that SSD is basically an insurance program, funded by payments you make when earning a paycheck.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) averages the monthly income you earned over the most lucrative 35 years of your work life – or over less time if you didn’t work 35 full years. Basically, people who earned more receive higher disability payments.

Other factors decrease the amount you will receive. Workers’ compensation payments are likely to decrease the amount you receive. This is usually true of pensions and public disability benefits you may receive.

Qualifying For Social Security Disability Insurance

To qualify, applicants must show they earned sufficient work credits through covered employment. Most workers need to have earned at least 20 credits within 10 years before the disability began. The SSA reviews earnings records to confirm contributions were made through payroll taxes.

A qualifying medical condition must be supported by evidence from acceptable medical sources. The impairment must significantly limit basic work functions and be expected to last 12 continuous months or result in death. The SSA evaluates both physical and mental conditions, and considers how symptoms impact functional capacity.

The administration applies a strict definition of disability to determine if the impairment prevents substantial gainful activity. This involves assessing whether the applicant can perform past work or adjust to other work based on their age, education and transferable skills.

Disability Benefits Based On Another’s Work History

You may also base your SSD claim on the work history of a spouse or former spouse, if your own work record is sparse. Likewise, children and adults who become disabled before they reach age 22 may also be eligible for benefits based on the work record of a parent.

Common Reasons For SSD Claim Denials

Many disability claims are denied because the application does not satisfy the SSA’s strict review standards. The following issues frequently lead to unfavorable decisions.

• Insufficient medical documentation: Missing diagnostic records, limited treatment notes or a lack of objective findings often prevents the agency from confirming functional limitations.
• Incomplete application materials: Errors, omissions or inconsistent statements in forms or work history reports can undermine the credibility of the claim.
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment: Not following recommended medical care without a valid justification may cause the agency to conclude that the condition is manageable.
• Earnings above allowable limits: Income that exceeds the substantial gainful activity threshold can disqualify an applicant regardless of medical severity.

While many applications are denied initially, following documentation and other requirements stringently can improve the odds of success.

The Typical Timeline For The SSD Application Process

The disability application process involves several stages, and each one has its own review period. Processing times vary based on evidence, workload and case complexity but can take several months or even over a year.

The initial application stage includes submission of required forms, medical records and work history information. Disability examiners review the file and may request additional evidence or schedule a consultative examination.

If the claim is denied, applicants may pursue reconsideration. This involves a new review by a different examiner who evaluates updated evidence. If reconsideration is denied, the next step may be a hearing before an administrative law judge. An attorney can help with your application, potentially preventing any preventable delays.

Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law, Valparaiso SSDI Lawyer

Social Security rules and requirements are a tangle. Only a skilled and experienced benefits lawyer can untangle them. But Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law‘s representation goes beyond deciphering the law. We will stick with you even after winning your case to make sure the checks are coming on time and on a reliable basis.

To get a better idea what your benefit package will look like, and to better understand your chances, call Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law and schedule a no-charge consultation at his offices in Hobart, Indiana.

Are you looking to receive SSD benefits? Call Hobart Social Security Disability insurance lawyer Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law at 219-945-9766 or describe your situation to our attorney by email.