New Jersey Social Security Disability Attorney
Social Security is an insurance system designed to help with financial hardships throughout life, not just after retirement. If you are permanently disabled as a result of a work-related accident or illness and are unable to engage in any substantial, gainful employment, you may be eligible for benefits from Social Security regardless of your age. While you can apply for Social Security benefits on your own, you should be aware that most applications for Social Security benefits are initially denied.
The Union City social security disability lawyer Lloyd Bennett, Esq., P.C. has the experience needed to obtain a review of the initial decision and win Social Security Disability cases for our clients at review hearings. You and your dependent children may be due thousands of dollars in past benefits. Call or email Lloyd Bennett, Esq., P.C. today.
You may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you are unable to work due to:
- Breathing problems
- Chronic heart disease
- Obesity
- Mental disorders
- Blindness or deafness
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Seizures despite the use of medication
- Cancer
- Immune system disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Extreme psoriasis involving hands and feet
- Multiple sclerosis
- HIV positive
- Other severe medical conditions
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a chief benefit of the Social Security Act. Disability insurance is a program in which employees contribute from each paycheck to a fund designed to help those who fall out of the workforce into disability. The Social Security Administration ( www.ssa.gov) reviews each case of those claiming disability so those who truly need financial support receive it.
How do I qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?
Generally, the government will evaluate two criteria:
- The amount of time you have worked; and
- The nature of your disability.
The Social Security Administration uses a system of earned work credits per year, but in general you need to have worked fairly regularly and recently before you became disabled. Having worked five of the past ten years usually qualifies you. As for the nature of your disability, any medical condition that prevents you from working at your former job or adjusting to a new one could make you eligible for significant benefits.
What's the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income is a program for those with extremely low income who have become disabled. The eligibility rules for the disability are similar; what differs for SSI is that you must submit documentation of your low income rather than your work history. Also, where disability insurance is funded by deductions from paychecks, SSI is federally funded.
When can I file for Social Security Disability Insurance?
Once you acquire a condition that is likely to keep you out of work for the coming year, you should file immediately for benefits. What's more, it can take a while for your claim to be processed, so the sooner, the better.
What are my chances of being approved for benefits?
There is no way of knowing for certain whether your condition will be judged as eligible for benefits by the Social Security Administration. Two people with the same disease won't necessarily both be approved. The key element is the severity of your condition – whether it is severe enough to keep you out of work for significant stretches of time.
What if I am denied benefits?
It is fairly common for initial claims for Social Security Disability benefits to be denied. However, your claim may be approved at a higher level once an appeal is filed by a Union City
social security disability lawyer.
If you, a family member or friend is permanently disabled, contact Union City Social Security Disability attorney Lloyd Bennett today.