Are you struggling financially due to a physical or mental health condition?
Is keeping a job getting more challenging by the day?
Luckily, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits.
Social Security disability programs offer financial compensation and medical coverage to individuals with a long-term disability.
To receive benefits, you must file a claim and provide medical evidence.
Still, many disability claims get rejected each year.
Claimants must do everything within their power to prepare a complete claim.
At our disability law firm, our experienced legal team is skilled at building strong cases that lead our clients toward their benefits.
Today, we’ll show you what a disability attorney in Merrillville’s main tasks involve and how working with a lawyer can help with your claim.
To access Social Security disability benefits, you must have a qualifying disability.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a List of Impairments (also known as the “Blue Book”) that dictates which health conditions are eligible for monthly benefits.
If your impairment falls under one of those categories, you might qualify for benefits.
Besides having a qualifying disability, your health conditions must also meet the following criteria:
Remember that the SSA only issues long-term disability benefits; therefore, having an impairment that is expected to last at least a year (and being able to prove it) is crucial to pursue your claim.
Since we mentioned “being able to prove it,” we must discuss medical evidence.
What does it take to pursue disability benefits? Having an eligible disability and having enough medical proof that supports your claim.
Without substantial medical evidence that proves your impairment hinders your ability to work, the SSA will not approve your claim.
When our clients ask us about the most essential aspect of their case, we always advise focusing on gathering strong medical documentation.
Substantial medical evidence marks the breaking point between successful disability claims and facing rejection.
Can you file a disability claim on your own?
Yes, the SSA doesn’t request claimants hire a lawyer to apply for disability benefits.
Then why would you work with a disability attorney in Merrillville?
A lawyer will handle aspects of your application and overall case that individuals without legal knowledge can’t.
Besides helping you at every stage of the process, disability attorneys have tools, skills, and connections that sharpen a case and make it more likely to secure monthly benefits.
Would you like to learn about the tasks a disability attorney can do for you?
Here are some of the most crucial aspects an experienced attorney can handle:
We discussed the importance of medical evidence in pursuing your disability claim.
For the SSA to grant you benefits, it will require more than a note from your doctor stating you have “X” medical condition.
Pursuing a claim takes substantial and relevant medical proof.
We are talking about official diagnoses, tests, treatment documentation, doctors’ reports, and any other relevant information.
Obtaining all that documentation is not always easy. Doctors and healthcare clinics are not always willing to cooperate, or they may not understand that time is crucial when filing for disability benefits.
A disability lawyer can contact doctors and medical centers to gather the evidence you need to pursue your claim.
An attorney has the skills to encourage physicians to cooperate willingly and provide the documentation fast and efficiently.
Your initial application is like your introduction letter. It is supposed to show the SSA examiner the reality of your disability and how it impacts your life.
For that purpose, you must reply to a long list of questions and submit essential information regarding your impairment, work situation, and personal life.
This endless paperwork can be time-consuming and overwhelming for someone facing a disability.
Still, it’s crucial to answer every question in the most succinct but truthful manner.
One unanswered question can be enough for the SSA to disqualify your application.
Your disability attorney will take care of the application paperwork for you. They’ll ensure not only that everything is in order, but they’ll also provide the most compelling answers that showcase the severity of your disability.
During the application process, it’s normal for claimants to encounter several questions.
What disability program should I apply to?
How much disability income will I receive?
Do I qualify for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Your disability lawyer will be there at each stage of the journey, helping you understand your rights and the best course of action.
Your attorney will maintain direct communication with the SSA to get updates and news on your case.
This is highly beneficial, as timing is essential in these types of cases.
If the SSA requires some more information or documentation is missing, your attorney will immediately find out and resolve the situation.
This will ensure your case continues smoothly and without delays.
Unfortunately, many claims face rejection at the initial application.
This is not unusual, but instead of quitting or filing a new claim, the best course of action often involves appealing.
At a disability appeal, you must present your case before an Administrative Law Judge.
A disability attorney in Merrillville will prepare you for the hearing and represent you in court.
Besides hiring an experienced lawyer to help with your claim, there are other things you can do to enhance your case:
You and your lawyer can work together to carefully prepare every aspect of your case and pursue the benefits you may be eligible for.
Are you looking for a seasoned disability attorney in Merrillville?
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience with Social Security disability cases.
Don’t leave your case to chance. Contact us today and make sure you get the right legal assistance that leads you towards monthly disability benefits.
Most people put off this call because they think they need more proof, more paperwork, or a clearer diagnosis before a disability lawyer takes them seriously. That worry alone keeps plenty of strong cases from ever getting started.
Pinyerd Disability Law, LLC takes cases on a contingency fee, so you pay a fee only if we recover benefits for you, and the consultation appointment that gets things moving costs nothing. Every month spent waiting is a month closer to a filing deadline you may not even know exists.
Call today. Help is one conversation away.
