Crestview Social Security Disability Lawyers

Let Us Help You Get SSD Benefits

After your life and livelihood have been disrupted by a serious injury or disabling medical condition, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) could help you find some stability again. Both government systems are designed to help people stay financially afloat after an injury, illness, or disability stops them from holding gainful employment but neither system is designed to necessarily make getting benefits easy.

Michles & Booth and our Social Security Disability attorneys in Crestview can help you figure out your options and get your claim moving. You could be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits, depending on your disability and financial situation. We’re here to guide you from start to finish, so you can seek the best benefits with the least amount of stress.

Start with a free consultation with our firm. Call (850) 779-1070 now.

How to Qualify for SSDI or SSI

SSDI and SSI benefits are not available to everyone. They are only available to people who meet specific requirements for assistance because the programs have limited funding. As a result, you might not qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both. Do not worry, though – let our Crestview SSD attorneys review your situation and determine if you can qualify for either. We want to make sure that you get as much financial support as possible.

To qualify for income benefits, you will usually need to meet these requirements:

• SSDI: You might qualify for temporary or permanent SSDI benefits if you have paid Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes, have a serious medical condition or disability, and have worked consistently in the last several years or longer.
• SSI: If you have not paid any FICA taxes, then you may qualify for SSI benefits instead. To qualify, you will need a qualifying medical condition or disability and make a low annual income.

What is the SSDI Application Process?

You won’t be given SSDI benefits just because you suffered a disabling injury that is keeping you from working or earning an income. You will need to apply for them using the systems managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). A small mistake on an application is enough to cause it to be denied, so you should start this process only with our help.

The basic steps for applying for SSD benefits are:

1. Fillling out an application, which will ask about your work history, disability, education, etc.
2. Submitting the application before the deadline.
3. Responding to any inquiries from the SSA that request more information.

If the SSA accepts your claim, it could still be three months before you start seeing the benefits you are owed. We will do what we can to keep your case moving so there are no unnecessary delays.

Can SSDI Claims Be Denied?

It will be a relief to have your SSDI claim finished and filed, but unfortunately, the case won’t be finished yet. You will have to wait to see if the SSA accepts your claim. In many cases, the SSA will find a reason to deny the claim for one reason or another, sometimes even for illegitimate reasons. If that happens to your claim, it will be frustrating, but it won’t be the end of the case.

The SSA might deny your claim for these common reasons:

• You don’t have enough medical evidence: The SSA may request additional medical evidence of your disability or permanent injury and deny your claim in the meantime.
• Your medical condition is not covered: The SSA only allows you to get SSDI or SSI benefits if you have a recognized medical condition or disability.
• You make too much income: You can be disqualified from SSD benefits if the SSA states that you make too much income now or if it believes you could find gainful employment, perhaps in a new career path or industry.
• You did not pay enough FICA taxes: SSDI is only available if you have contributed enough to FICA taxes through past wages. If you did not, then your SSDI claim can be denied. SSI benefits might still be available, though.

Can Denied SSDI Claims Be Appealed?

When an SSD claim is denied by the SSA, there could be room to challenge the denial through an appeal. This process involves asking the SSA to reconsider the situation or to bring the case before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). In many ways, the appeals process is more complicated than the original process of submitting an application. Please let us represent you through the entire appeals process, so you can be sure that it is done correctly.

To appeal a denied SSD claim, we will usually follow these steps:

1. Review the SSA denial letter for any inconsistencies or issues.
2. Submit a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.
3. If the Request for Reconsideration is denied, file a Request for Hearing within 60 days.
4. Attend the hearing, where we can argue your case before the ALJ.

Find Out More During a No-Cost Consultation

Don’t get lost in the SSDI claim process alone. Let our Crestview SSDI attorneys be your guide from the very beginning. We are proud to represent locals who need help getting the benefits that they need to regain financial stability after a serious injury or disabling condition leaves them unable to work. Please let us put our experience and insight to good use by representing and guiding you through this difficult time as well.

Get a FREE consultation with Michles & Booth. Call (850) 779-1070.

SSDI Resources

• Apply for Benefits
• Request a Reconsideration or Hearing
• SSDI Statute – CFR part 404
• Social Security Rulings
• Disability Evaluation “Blue Book”
• Medical Vocational Guidelines (GRIDs)
• Adult Listing of Impairments
• Get your Social Security Statement
• List of Social Security Forms
• Locate your local Social Security Office
• Information on Working with a Disability
• Appointed Representative Website
• Contact a Dedicated Social Security Representative
• Information about SSDI from Social Security Administration