The Social Security Disability Attorney Denton Deserves
Life happens. Sometimes, we find ourselves in difficult situations. Trouble can come out of nowhere. We get hurt. We suffer an event. In the blink of an eye, everything we thought we knew changes. When life takes a turn for the worst, we may need help.
This is where social security can assist. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an important federal government agency that provides social security. This form of social assistance has been helping millions of Americans for many decades now.
Without the aid of social security, millions of individuals and families would struggle to survive.
Disabled people deserve support. In fact, disabling conditions affect the lives of adults and children alike. Entire families can be torn apart by the negative effects of disability.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two main disability programs for disabled applicants. Social security claimants may apply for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Some applicants may actually qualify for both programs.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will ultimately make a determination based on a disability claimant’s application. Claimants who qualify for both SSI and SSDI must meet specific medical and vocational criteria.
The Social Security Administration In Denton Texas
The social security office in Denton, Texas serves a number of applicants and beneficiaries. As a part of the Texas SSA, this location manages multiple federal programs. These programs include retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Some Denton claimants have been receiving benefits in Denton for decades.
In fact, the city of Denton, Texas has a unique history. As the county seat of Denton County, Denton, Texas experienced rapid expansion in the 1970s. Following the building of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in 1974, Denton quickly grew in population.
Today, most of the city’s 115,000 people work hard in a variety of industries. Many of the city’s residents work in education, manufacturing and retail. The loyal, committed workers of Denton depend on these jobs. Without these work opportunities, many of Denton’s individuals and families will lose their livelihoods.
Sadly, some of these residents continue to suffer.
When tragedy strikes in the form of a disabling injury or medical condition, life changes quickly. Disabling conditions can prevent even the best workers from participating in the labor force. It can become nearly impossible to maintain a normal lifestyle
Without assistance, many disabled workers may have no way to make money. The spouses of these workers will struggle. The children will struggle. Families may have no idea what to do or think. This can be disheartening. Without stable earnings, a disabled worker may never be the same.
This is why the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides assistance.
Fortunately, many workers in the U.S. can receive assistance. The federal insurance program of social security can help a disabled worker significantly. If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be eligible to receive benefits from the SSA.
One of the primary benefits programs is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). With the help of SSDI, a disabled person will receive monthly payments. These payments can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Applicants for SSDI should visit a Social Security Office Denton TX location today.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI is a federal insurance program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unlike a similar program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is available to applicants who are ‘insured’. In order to be insured, a worker must have worked a certain amount prior to becoming disabled. This previous work history is based on work credits.
Work credits are delivered based on earnings. Each work credit has a set monetary value. A social security claimant can receive as many as four work credits for one year. These work credits come from taxes paid. A qualifying disability applicant must have paid into the system through payroll deductions. As of 2019, one work credit is the equivalent of $1,360 earned. Thus, a worker can garner a maximum of four credits annually or the equivalent of $5,440 for a year.
The SSA will evaluate your disability application based on strict definitions of disability and work ability. Assuming you are disabled and have worked the minimum number of years, you are entitled to monthly benefits. These benefits will only end if you are no longer disabled or if you reach retirement age.
Disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits at this point.
How The SSA Evaluates SSDI
The SSA will look closely at your history of work to ensure that you are ‘insured.’ The requirements for work history can vary significantly. An applicant who became disabled at an older age will be required to have more work credits. An applicant who became disabled at a younger age generally does not need as many work credits.
The SSA will closely examine the age at which you became disabled.
SSDI Work Requirements
For instance, if you are 24 or younger, you only need 1.5 years of work to be eligible. However, if you are 50 or older, you will need to have worked seven to 10 years. This is called a ‘work duration’ requirement. In other words, you are demonstrating how long you worked.
In addition to this work duration requirement, applicants are also required to meet a recent work test. This requirement factors the minimum amount of work you have been completed in recent years. This requirement is also based on age. For example, if you are 24, your 1.5 years of qualifying work must have been performed within the last three years. Anyone who is older than 30 has to have worked five years out of the past 10.
Under the Social Security Disability (SSDI) program, you must also prove a severe disability. You must prove that this disability is medically determinable. A medically determinable disability has a basis that is recognized by medical professionals.
You must also prove that your disabling condition is preventing you from engaging in substantial work activities. Your disability must be lasting. It cannot be a short-term or part-time disability. It must be a total disability.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition, a total disability:
- Has lasted for 12 months or is expected to last for 12 months; or
- Is expected to kill the applicant; and
- Keeps the applicant from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
The amount of your monthly benefit is a percentage of your annual average before you became disabled. In 2019, the average monthly SSDI benefit is $1,234. However, the maximum SSDI monthly payment is $2,861. To be eligible for SSDI, you cannot make more than $1,220 monthly.
As of today, the SSDI program has helped millions of individuals and families to lead normal lives. This is the Social security Denton TX deserves.
However, lives do not always return to normal. After suffering a disabling medical impairment, life may become terrible. This is where the disability lawyers of Denton, TX can help.
A top SSDI attorney will help you file an application properly and completely.
Applying is not easy. Your initial application must include medical terminology about your medical conditions. The disability application must also be accompanied by medical records and other evidence.
Unfortunately, the majority of SSDI applications are denied after the first review. This process can take up to 90 days. If your application is denied at this point, you have the right to appeal. The best disability attorney may take your appeals through four stages.
Without an attorney, these appeals may take years to complete. According to the SSA, about 90 percent of applicants who go to a hearing are legally represented.
Get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for further information.