You or a loved one may be unable to work and need to file for Social Security Disability Benefits. Maybe you’ve already applied for benefits and need to appeal a denial. Regardless, a Denton Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm can help. Our lawyers understand Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, and we also understand how complicated applying for benefits can be.
During a free consultation with a member of our team, we’ll explain how one of our attorneys can help you file or appeal a claim for benefits. Underwood Law Office has helped many people like you, so we can help you, too.
Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits
The term Social Security Disability (SSD) encompasses both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These are government programs that provide insurance or income benefits to many disabled people who cannot work a job. A person can qualify for benefits if they meet the Social Security Administration (SSA)‘s criteria.
Social Security Disability Insurance is monthly insurance benefits that are generally for eligible disabled people who have been lawfully employed and paying taxes for five or more years out of the last ten years. These people have been paying into the Social Security system during this time and may now be able to claim the benefits.
With Supplemental Security Income, eligible disabled people have not been paying into the Social Security system sufficiently because they have limited income and assets. So, these people qualify for monthly supplemental income benefits instead.
Determining Eligibility for Benefits
If you’re not quite sure whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you should ask your doctor and our firm. Your doctor can tell you whether your medical condition qualifies you for benefits, and the lawyer can tell you whether your employment history, current income, and financial needs qualify you. The lawyer can also tell you which benefits program you qualify for.
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Denton, call (972) 535-6377
How do You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you believe you could qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you could apply on the SSA’s website. They have an online application form there. However, before you apply, you may want to speak with your doctor and one of our firm’s Denton, TX, Social Security Disability application lawyers. Both parties can confirm your eligibility for the benefits. Also, the lawyer can apply for you, ensuring your application is completed properly and thoroughly.
The Criteria for Applying
To apply and qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be receiving benefits currently on your own Social Security record
- Be unable to work due to a medical condition expected to either last for 12 months or more or lead to loss of life
- Have not been denied benefits anytime in the last 60 days
Denton Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
How do You Appeal a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits?
It’s possible to appeal a decision the SSA made in regard to your benefits. However, generally, you’ll have to appeal within 60 days of the denial notice. You can do so on the administration’s website with their Internet Appeal service. It will let you request a comprehensive review of the medical determination the administration made.
Before you appeal the decision, you may want to speak with your doctor and one of our lawyers, who can verify that you meet the criteria for benefits. Also, one of our lawyers can appeal for you. This may be best, considering the lawyer may be able to file the appeal more quickly, meeting the 60-day deadline.
Determining Why Your Claim Was Denied
Your claim may have been denied for a simple reason or a more complicated one. This reason should be noted in the denial notice the SSA sent you.
If you’re still not quite sure why your claim was denied, one of our Social Security Disability lawyers in Denton can help explain the reason to you. In addition to that, your lawyer can help ensure your appeal contains all of the information the administration may still need, including your:
- Medical records
- Medication information
- Healthcare provider’s contact information
- Recent employment information
- Paycheck stubs
- Tax forms and returns
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status
- Other benefit award letters (if applicable)
The Parts of the Appeals Process
There are four levels in the appeals process for a denied claim. They are:
- Reconsideration, during which your initial application, initial evidence, and additional evidence are reviewed
- A hearing, during which the initial application and all your evidence are reviewed again by an administrative law judge (this can be done online or at a location near you)
- A review by the Appeals Council
- A final review by the Federal Court (your lawyer can participate in this part of the process, such as by filing a civil lawsuit on your behalf)
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A Denton Social Security Disability Lawyer From Our Firm Can Help
Since 1997, our firm has been helping people like you in desperate times of need. Many of our clients desperately need Social Security Disability benefits and may be facing a denial of their benefits. Other clients struggle to defend themselves against an insurance company. Our lawyers face insurance companies and the SSA every day and help our clients through their difficult times.
A Denton Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm can help you through your difficult time, such as by filing your benefits claim for you or by appealing a denied claim and filing a lawsuit. We can help ensure your claim or appeal meets all of the necessary criteria and then help you obtain the benefits you deserve and need. Our case results speak to our dedication to clients like you. Your lawyer will be just as dedicated to you and to the outcome of your claim.
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Contact Us for a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Denton
Underwood Law Office can help you learn more about how one of our Social Security Disability lawyers can help you with a benefits application or appeal. We’ll offer a free consultation with a member of our team and tell you more about what your lawyer can do for you. Contact us today.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form