What is the Process to Get Social Security Disability Benefits?
In the United States, if you’re hurt and can’t work, you don’t have to despair – the federal government has a program, called SSD (Social Security Disability), which provides funding for citizens who are unable to continue earning income due to a disability. All U.S. citizens who have worked in the country for a certain period of time are eligible to file for SSD benefits. However, it can be extremely difficult to navigate the system and earn the benefits that you deserve.
Here Are the Five Steps for Understanding the SSD Process:
1. Determine if you qualify.
In order to be considered eligible for disability benefits, your condition must meet two criteria: it has to have lasted for at least a full year, and it has to have prevented you from working at the same level that you were before your injury or other incidents. If you believe that you fit under this definition, you can move on to the next step; however, if you are not sure where you stand, talk to your Greensboro SSD lawyer to make sure.
2. Gather evidence.
Your SSD claim will only be considered if it has enough physical evidence to back it up – namely, medical records, physician’s notes, and any other proof of your disability and inability to continue to work. You will need records from all facilities that you stayed at or were treated at, and all physicians or specialists you have seen, for your current disability. You’ll also need to provide financial information including an income statement.
3. File a claim.
Once you have determined that you qualify and that you have adequate evidence, you can file the paperwork to request SSD benefits. Although you can do this individually, you may be too overwhelmed by the process, or too occupied with treating your condition, to worry about filling out forms, which is why most people choose to hire a disability attorney.
4. Appeal.
A large number of claims are denied upon the first application, but you don’t have to give up hope – you can file an appeal with the courts, which involves sending in other paperwork and evidence.
5. Go to court.
The overwhelming majority of appeals are denied, in which case you need to take your case to court – and this is where the need for an attorney becomes very apparent. Your attorney will present the evidence for a judge and argue that you deserve SSD benefits. Talk to your Greensboro SSD lawyer to plan out your strategy
