Social security disability insurance (SSDI) is designed to help people who are unable to work due to a debilitating illness or other disability. People who are suffering from temporary or permanent disabilities may be eligible to collect benefits. It is important to understand that SSDI is separate from workers’ compensation, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and any insurance benefits that an individual may pay for out of pocket.
Staying financially stable while living with a disability can be difficult. If you are struggling with your inability to work, you should consider filing for SSDI benefits. This is a type of insurance that you have paid into all of your working life. SSDI is not a type of government handout.
Levittown, PA Social Security Disability
While SSDI benefits are available to you if you suffer from a recognized, diagnosed disability, applying for benefits is a lengthy, confusing process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes factors including age, length of work history, treatment needs and diagnosis date into consideration when determining whether a person will qualify for benefits.
The Pennsylvania Disability Determination Services and the SSA must both receive an application for benefits in order for the request to be considered. People who are suffering from a disability often find that the process is particularly difficult because they are already dealing with fatigue, weakness and other side effects of their disability. Applications that have been denied may be appealed, but applicants may not understand how to begin the appeals process. Fortunately, law firms that specialize in assisting with SSDI cases are able help.
Contacting an Attorney
The Pennsylvania Disability Determination Services must receive your application for benefits to determine whether you are eligible. Denials are not uncommon, and many denials are the result of an incomplete or inaccurate application. It is possible for you to be left without benefits even though you are truly unable to work due to a disability. Your best chance of receiving the benefits you need is by having an experienced attorney on your side who is knowledgeable about both the state and federal regulations that apply to SSDI.
An SSDI lawyer will start by asking you questions about your disability. Lawyers work with you, your medical professionals and the SSA to collect information, file paperwork and aggressively fight for your right to benefits. Applicants who go it alone often feel confused about asking their medical professionals to provide the records needed to apply for benefits. Your attorney will make sure that records related to initial symptoms, diagnosis and ongoing treatment are collected and sent with your application.
Supporting Your Family Through a Disability
You may not be the only person who is depending on your income to pay for basic necessities. When the well-being of your family is at stake, you need to find help with your SSDI case. Many people who are eligible for benefits are able to receive higher payments when a spouse, child or grandchild depends on them. An experienced attorney will be able to discuss your specific case to determine whether you may be able to support your family through SSDI benefits. Attorneys are dedicated to taking the needs of their clients into consideration when filing paperwork and dealing with the SSA. Levittown-area residents who are struggling with a disability should contact a law office for a free consultation.