Did you know that approximately 16% of the world’s population experiences a significant disability in their lifetime? Persons with disabilities face twice the risk for conditions like depression, diabetes, and stroke. They find transportation 15 times more difficult than people without disabilities.
If you have a disability, these are more than statistics to you–it’s your daily life. Living with a disability comes with numerous challenges, one of which is working and earning a livable income. That’s where Social Security Disability Insurance comes in. In this blog, we’ll explore what this insurance is, how you get it, and how Talbot & Kesling can help.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who cannot work due to a disability. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes. As workers contribute to this fund through their taxed earnings over the years, they essentially put money into their own financial safety net in case of a future disability.
If you can’t work because of a disability, SSDI can replace a portion of your income. Your disability benefits may also include Medicare after you’ve been in the system for two years.
Your SSDI Guide, from Eligibility to Appeals
The Social Security Disability Insurance program is designed to help persons with disabilities who cannot earn a living income. Unfortunately, the system is complicated and the process is long. There are strict SSDI eligibility criteria, and you must provide extensive documentation to prove you meet these criteria. Even then, many applications get denied and must be appealed.
As your SSDI lawyers in Tacoma, Talbot & Kesling can help you with every step of this process–from determining your eligibility to applying, to appealing a denial.
Eligibility: How to Qualify for SSDI
There are two aspects of SSDI eligibility: your disability and your work history. You must have a qualifying medical condition and you must have contributed to Social Security with a sufficient work history.
Qualifying Disability: Your condition must fulfill the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. Typically, it must be severe enough to prevent you from any substantial gainful activity and must have lasted or be expected to last for at least one year. Some medical conditions automatically qualify. For others, you’ll need to prove why it qualifies.
Work History: Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is based on your financial contribution to Social Security, not your financial need. Every year you work a qualifying job, you earn work credits. You’ll need a certain number of work credits to qualify. Most people need to have worked for several years to have sufficient work credits.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance
If you think you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance in multiple ways. You can use an online application on the SSA website, or you can apply over the phone with an SSA representative. Finally, you can apply in person at a local Social Security office.
SSDI applications involve a lot of paperwork and forms. You will likely be asked to provide extensive documentation, particularly medical records. Even the smallest error or omission can lead to a denial.
Navigating SSDI Denials and Appeals
After you submit the application, you’ll wait several months for a decision from the SSA. Sadly, the majority of applications are initially denied. Most people only get their Social Security Disability benefits after appealing a denial. You’ll need to provide even more evidence and documentation to strengthen your claim. SSDI lawyers can help you with every step of the process, but they are especially invaluable when making an appeal.
How an SSDI Lawyer Can Help
You don’t need to hire a lawyer to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance. However, it’s a worthwhile investment to do so. Approximately two-thirds of applications are initially denied, and about half of appeals are denied again. In other words, the odds are against you.
But with experienced legal guidance, your odds are greatly improved. People who hire a lawyer are almost twice as likely to succeed as those who don’t. And if you don’t get your benefits, we don’t get paid–so you have little to lose.
Here’s how our team at Talbot & Kesling can help your SSDI claim succeed.
- We help with all the paperwork and deadlines. Don’t underestimate how overwhelming and confusing the application and appeals process can be. With Talbot & Kesling on your side, you’ll have much less to worry about, as we help with every step.
- We know what makes a successful claim. We’ve been in practice since 1976, and SSDI is one of our primary focuses. Our team knows what works and how to build a strong claim.
- We guide you through appeals. If you end up in the second stage of an appeal, you’ll have a hearing with an administrative law judge. Having a lawyer to help prepare and guide you is crucial.
Contact Talbot & Kesling Today to Start Your SSDI Journey
Whether you’re considering applying for SSDI, already started the application but aren’t sure how to continue, or are navigating a denial, we can help. We’re here to guide you through every aspect of your SSDI journey and make sure it’s a success.
Contact Talbot & Kesling today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the benefits you deserve through Social Security Disability Insurance.